BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 

<> 

THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


7    i 


CHAWNE 


THE  KANAKA  GIRL.     Page  125. 


THE    OCEAN  LIFE    SERIES. 


THE 


WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES 


IN 


THE  SANDWICH  ISLANDS 


AND 


BY  WM.  H.  THOMES, 


AUTHOR  OF  "  THE  GOLD-HUNTERS'  ADVENTURES,"    "  THE  BUSHRANGERS," 

•'THE    GOLD    HUNTERS    IN    EUROPE,"    "ADVENTURES    OF    A 

SLAVER,"  "  LIFE  IN   THE   EAST  INDIES," 

ETC.,  ETC. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


BOSTON : 
LEE    AND    SHEPARD,    PUBLISHERS. 

NEW   YORK: 
LEE,  SHEPARD   AND  DILLINGHAM. 

1873. 


uu 


Entered,  according  to  Agt  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1871, 

BY  LEE  AND  SHEPARD, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Stereotyped  at  the  Boston  Stereotype  Foundry, 
No.  19  Spring  Lane. 


Bancroft  Library 


• 
f 

BOOKS  BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR. 

i~\ 

tf 

THE   GOLD    HUNTERS'    ADVENTURES    IN   AUSTRALIA. 

THE    BUSHRANGERS;    or,  LIFEJN    AUSTRALIA. 

^-       THE   GOLD    HUNTERS    IN    EUROPE. 
\ 

ADVENTURES   OF   A   SLAVER. 

LIFE    IN   THE    EAST   INDIES. 

, 

All   Handsomely  Illustrated* 

S  •  • 

' 

LEE  &  SHEPAKD,  PUBLISHEES,  BOSTON. 


I    •    •          • 

CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.                                  *AOB 
A  fair  Statement  of  the  Cause  of  leaving  Home 9 

CHAPTER    II. 
How  I  shipped  in  a  Whaler  as  a  green  Hand 22 

CHAPTER   III. 
My  first  Day  at  Sea 39 

CHAPTER    IV. 
We  fasten  to  a  sperm  Whale,  and  the  Whale  fastens  to  us.        .        .     48 

CHAPTER   V. 
A  Light  off  our  weather  Bow,  and  what  came  of  it    .        .        .        ,65 

CHAPTER   VI. 

Rolling  down  to  Honolulu.  —  A  Proposition,  and  the  Result.       .        .    82 

CHAPTER   VII. 
A  fishing  Party.  —  The  Old  Sally  in  sight.  —  To  the  Hills.         .        .  105 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

A  simple  Life  and  a  happy  one.  —  A  Letter  from  Mr.  Cherington. 
—  The  Arrival  of  a  Missionary.        .        .        .        ....  117 

CHAPTER    IX. 
A  new  Firm 141 

CHAPTER    X. 

Astonishing  News  of  the  gold  Mines  of  California.  —  We  buy  to  the 
right  and  left,  and  make  Plans  for  a  Fortune.  .        .        .        .155 

5 


6  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XI. 

Off  for  California.  —  A  Surprise  and  a  Passage.  —  California  and  our 
Cargo.  —  How  we  sold  it  at  a  Profit.  .  .  .  .  .  .  169 

CHAPTER    XII. 

A  model  Collector.  —  Discharging  Cargo.  —  California  Prices.  — 
Gold  and  Profits.  —  My  Experience. 184 

CHAPTER   XIII. 

Breaking  the  Bank.  —  All  Luck  on  my  Side.  —  A  fortunate  Throw. 

—  An  Attack  on  the  Beach '    .    .         .        .         .203 

CHAPTER   XIV. 

Keturn  to  Honolulu.  —  The  Greeting  between  Father  and  Daughter. 

—  My  Partner  and  his  Daughter.  —  Commendation  for  Business.     221 

CHAPTER    XV. 

For  the  Ladrone  Islands.  —  A  Surprise.  —  More  Perplexities.  —  An 
English  Pilot.  —  The  Governor  of  the  Ladrone  Islands  and  his 
Daughter '  .  .229 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

An  awkward  Position.  —  The  Old  Sally.  —  A  Plan  to  escape  De- 
tection   .  "  .  .  .  .  .  250 

CHAPTER    XVII. 

Bunker  promises.  —  He  escapes.  —  A  real  Coquette.  —  He  makes 
a  Proposition,  and  it  is  an  astonishing  One.  .  .  .  .  275 

CHAPTER    XVIII. 

Poor  Myers  and  his  Wife.  —  Her  Objections.  —  Reconciliation.  — 
Letters  from  Home.  —  A  San  Francisco  Fire.  ...  .  .  299 

CHAPTER   XIX. 

An  unexpected  Honeymoon.  —  Off  for  Honolulu.  —  A  terrible  An- 
nouncement. —  Julia  and  her  Illness.  —  A  painful  Meeting.  .  .  316 

CHAPTER    XX. 

An  Interview.  —  The  Result. —  Beaten  at  all  Points.  —  Off  again  for 
California.  —  On  the  Passage.  -  ,  .  N 338 

CHAPTER    XXI. 

Up  the  Sacramento.  —  Off  for  the  Mines.  —  The  Heat  on  the  Prairies. 

—  An  Attack.  —  Joquin  the  Robber. 352 


CONTENTS.  7 

CHAPTER    XXII. 

A  bad  Position.  —  Off  for  Help.  —  Old  Nat  Baker 870 

CHAPTER    XXIII. 

Our  Camp  on  the  Yuba.  —  The  Search  for  Gold.  —  A  Hunt,  and  what 
came  of  it 386 

CHAPTER    XXIV. 

Joquin's  Cave.  —  A  Bargain.  —  An  Exploration.  —  Dead  Men.  —  A 
Rattlesnake.  —  Fascinated.  —  Treasures  of  the  Cave.     .         .         .  396 

CHAPTER    XXV. 

I  again  meet  Joquin.  —  A  Sign  saves  me.  —  A  Ransom  demanded, 
and  what  came  of  it.  —  A  Rescue. 408 

CHAPTER    XXVI. 
At  Honolulu.  —  Julia  and  her  father. 424 

CHAPTER   XXVII. 

Life  in  a  Steamer.  —  In  Boston  once  more.  —  Conclusion.          •        •  437 


A  WHALEMAN'S .  ADVENTURES ; 

OR, 

LIFE    IN    THE    SANDWICH    ISLANDS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

A   FAIR   STATEMENT   OF   THE   CAUSE   OF   LEAVING   HOME. 

IF  a  man  intends  to  relate  the  adventures  which  have  befallen 
him  through  a  life  that  has  had  some  of  the  ups  and  downs  neces- 
sary to  make  existence  endurable,  it  is  incumbent  upon  him  to 
give  some  account  of  his  early  history. 

I  will  state,  therefore,  that  in  the  year  184-,  I  was  an  only  son 
of  parents  residing  in  Boston,  and  that  my  father  carried  on  the 
wholesale  grocery  business  in  Broad  Street,  was  director  of  a 
bank,  was  reputed  to  be  worth  about  two  hundred  thousand  dol- 
lars, and  had  twice  served  the  city  as  an  alderman,  and  was  oaly 
defeated  when  he  ran  for  the  third  time,  because  the  miserable 
opposition  placarded  the  city,  saying  that  he  sanded  the  sugar 
which  he  sold,  and  watered  his  rum,  and  mixed  herbs  with  his 
black  tea. 

I  was  young  then,  but  I  well  recollect  my  father's  honest  in- 
dignation when  he  related  the  circumstance  to  my  mother ;  and 
I  also  have  a  vivid  remembrance  of  his  red  face  turning  nearly 
black  as  he  strove  to  eat  his  dinner,  and  wished  at  the  same  time 
that  he  had  the  author  of  the  handbills  by  the  neck,  so  that  he 
could  crush  him. 

Two  days  after  my  father's  defeat,  I  fell  in  love  with  the  pret- 
tiest little  school-girl  that  I  had  ever  seen.  Her  name  was  Jenny 
Fairchild,  the  only  daughter  of  old  "Fairchild,  in  the  leather  busi- 
ness, on  Shoe  and  Leather  Street,  and  estimated  worth  five  hun- 

9 


10  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

dred  thousand  dollars.  He  was,  therefore,  more  aristocratic  and 
more  pious  than  my  father,  and,  never  having  been  elected  to  any 
office,  pretended  to  look  down  upon  our  family  in  a  patronizing 
manner,  which  made  my  father  mad  and  my  mother  virtuously 
indignant. 

I  remember  even  at  this  time  where  I  was  introduced  to  Jenny. 
It  was  at  the  corner  of  Tremont  and  Park  Streets.  I  was  finished 
at  a  glance,  and  wished  that  I  had  had  my  best  coat  on.  She  was 
on  her  way  to  a  private  school,  and,  although  only  fourteen,  had  the 
airs  of  a  countess.  I  can  hardly  recollect  what  I  said  as  I  walked 
along  with  her,  but  I  have  a  vivid  recollection  of  asking  her  if  she 
loved  bunch  raisins  and  figs,  and  she  said  that  she  did,  and  I  said 
that  I  should  be  most  happy  to  supply  her  with  those  articles  any 
morning  if  she  would  meet  me  on  the  above-named  corner,  and  I 
remember  that  she  agreed  to  the  proposal  without  much  opposi- 
tion. I  think  that  she  feared  it  would  give  me  too  much  trouble, 
but  I  rejected  the  idea  with  scorn. 

I  walked  with  the  young  lady  to  school.  How  sorry. I  was  that 
my  parent  had  not  done  as  well  with  sugar  and  tea  as  her  father 
had  with  sole  and  upper  leather  ! 

But  to  return  to  the  figs  and  raisins  which  I  had  promised 
Jenny.  I  knew  that  it  would  ruin  me  to  fail  in  my  offer ;  so  I 
meditated  upon  the  subject,  and  my  meditations  were  rewarded 
by  finding  that  in  my  mother's  store-room  were  a  box  of  raisins 
and  a  drum  of  figs,  always  under  lock  and  key,  on  account  of  the 
filibustering  disposition  of  the  "  help."  To  obtain  the  key  of  that 
store-room  was  no  easy  matter  ;  but  I  accomplished  it  by  relating 
a  fanciful  sketch  of  having  seen  a  mouse  at  work  there  when  I 
had  visited  the  room  some  weeks  before.  I  was  intrusted  with 
the  key  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  vermin*  The  next 
morning  I  had  the  happiness  of  presenting  to  Jenny  about  two 
pounds  of  the  productions  of  southern  climes,  and  in  return  was 
rewarded  with  a  smile  and  information  that  "  she  and  the  girls 
would  have  nice  times  during  school  hours,"  and  that  "  she  should 
be  exceedingly  pleased  to  see  me  the  next  morning  in  the  same 
place." 

I  was  bewildered  with  joy.  Poor  goose  that  I  was  !  She  cared 
more  for  the  figs  and  raisins  than  for  me  ;  and  as  long  as  her  appe- 
tite was  supplied,  she  was  willing  to  furnish  me  with  such  weak 
and  cheap  food  as  smiles. 


THE   CAUSE   OF   LEAVING   HOME.  11 

But  such  a  state  of  things  could  not  last  forever.  The  figs  and 
raisins  came  to  an  end,  and  there  was  a  terrible  howl  in  the  house, 
and  the  "  help  "  were  blown  up.  In  the  midst  of  the  storm  in 
walked  my  father.  It  was  only  a  month  after  his  defeat  at  the 
polls,  and  he  had  not  recovered  his  temper. 

"  What's  the  row?"  he  asked. 

"  Here's  a  whole  box  of  raisins  and  a  drum  of  figs  gone,  no 
one  knows  where,"  answered  my  mother. 

"Who's  had  the  key  of  the  store-room  excepting  yourself?" 
he  demanded. 

"  No  one,"  my  mother  answered. 

UO,  yes,  mum.  Master  Charley  Allspice  has  had  the  kay  to 
kill  mouses,  and  sure  he  carried  off  dead  ones  in  a  paper.  I  seed 
him,"  answered  one  of  the  help. 

"  Has  he  had  the  key  ?  "  the  ex-alderman  asked. 

"  I  have  let  him  have  it  several  times,"  mother  answered. 

u  Then  he  has  taken  the  fruit.  Serve  up  dinner.  I'll  settle 
with  him  when  he  comes  in." 

My  mother  trembled  as  she  gave  the  order.  She  knew  that 
it  would  be  useless  to  remonstrate. 

I  entered  the  house  five  minutes  after  dinner  was  on  the  table, 
and  before  my  parent  had  satisfied  the  first  pangs  of  his  hunger. 

"  So,  sir,"  said  my  father,  shoving  his  soup-plate  away,  "  you 
have  been  behaving  in  a  pretty  manner —  haven't  you?  " 

I  replied  that  I  had,  and  that  my  teacher  thought  I  was  one 
oT  the  smartest  boys  in  school. 

u  Smart  at  stealing,  you  mean,"  thundered  the  ex-alderman,  and 
then  I  knew  that  I  was  discovered,  and  that  the  figs  and  raisins 
were  to  be  brought  in  judgment  against  me ;  but  although  my 
heart  sank,  yet  I  determined  to  quail  not. 

"  Don't,  pa,"  entreated  my  mother. 

"  I  will !  "  exclaimed  the  ex-alderman.  "  I  won't  have  a  boy 
of  mine  growing  up  and  learning  to  steal.  What  will  become 
of  him  when  he  arrives  at  my  age?" 

"I  should  be  competent  to  act  as  an  alderman,"  I  said  in  alow 
tone  ;  but  the  old  gentleman  heard  it,  and  for  a  moment  he  gasped 
for  breath.  .  , 

"  Do  you  hear  him,  madam?  "  he  cried.  "  Did  you  hear  what 
he  said?  Did  you  hear  that  boy  ca,st  reflections  upon  his  own 
father?" 


12  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Father  scowled  at  me  for  a  moment,  and  then  cut  off  a  slice  of 
beef  and  scowled  at  that ;  but  his  heart  was  too  full  to  eat  just 
then,  he  pushed  his  plate  away. 

"  To  think  that  a  child  I  have  been  so  particular  in  bringing 
up,  should  take  to  stealing,  is  not  a  consoling  reflection,  madam, 
and  I  must  nip  this  passion  in  the  bud." 

I  thought  that  he  meant  Jenny,  and  I  determined  to  die  before 
I  gave  her  up. 

"  She  is  as  good  as  our  family,"  I  said,  with  a  sniffle,  "  and 
her  father  is  richer  than  you." 

The  ex-alderman  glanced  at  me  in  a  state  6f  bewilderment,  and 
shook  his  head  as  though  he  found  ideas  in  that  operation. 

"  Do  you  know,  madam,  what  he  means?"  my  father  asked. 

"  La,  I  suppose  that  he  has  got  a  girl,  and  I'm  sure  that  if  she 
is  of  good  family,  and  her  father  is  rich,  I  don't  think  that  it  will 
hurt  Charles  in  the  least." 

"  Well,  if  this  don't  beat  even  the  mayor's  veto,"  my  re- 
spected parent  said,  looking  first  at  my  face  and  then  at  my 
mother's.  "  Here's  a  school-boy,  hardly  through  his  multiplica- 
tion table,  has  got  a  girl,  and  talks  of  it  as  though  it  was  some- 
thing creditable.  There  is  where  the  figs  and  raisins  have"  gone. 
He's  been  stealing  'em  for  the  girl,  as  true  as  I'm  an  honest  man." 

*'  Well,  there's  no  harm  done,"  remonstrated  my  mother.^ 

"  But  there  is  harm,  madam.  It's  not  a  few  raisins  that  I  care 
for,  but  it's  the  principle  of  the  thing,  as  I  told  the  mayor,  when 
we  caught  one  of  the  clerks  stealing. 

"  Well,  well,  eat  your  dinner  now,  and  talk  of  the  matter  here- 
after," suggested  my  mother. 

"  But  I  will  talk  of  it  now,  or  at  any  time  when  it  suits  my 
convenience,"  roared  my  father.  "  Now,  I  want  to  know  who 
the  boy  has  been  fooling  with.  By  the  Lord  Harry,  things  have 
come  to  a  pretty  pass,  if  I  have  got  to  supply  all  the  school-girls 
in  town  with  fruit.  I'll  send  a  bill  in  to  the  fathers  of  the  young 
'uns,  and  they  shall  pay  it." 

This  frightened  me.  I  would  rather  have  died  than  Jenny 
should  have  heard  of  such  a  thing. 

"  Now,"  £aid'  my  father,  squaring  off  at  a  joint  of  meat  which 
was  before  him,  and  scowling  at  it  as  though  it  had  defeated  hia 
election,  "  I  want  to  know  the  name  of  the  girl  who  has  induced 
you  to  steaJ-" 


THE   CAUSE    OF    LEAVING    HOME.  13 

I  resolved  that  I  would  not  tell,  and  I  considered  how  novel 
heroes  would  act  under  like  circumstances. 

"Are  you  going  to  answer  me? "jelled  my  father.  "Will 
you  tell  me  this  minute  ?  " 

"  I  will  not,"  I  answered,  quite  firmly. 

My  father  pushed  away  his  plate,  and  looked  at  me  fiercely,  and 
I  returned  his  lookrwith  one  of  firmness. 

"Will  you  tell  me? "he  shouted,  dashing  his  fist  upon  the 
table,  and  majdng  the  glasses  ring. 

"No,  sir,  I  will  not,"  I  answered. 

*'  Then  go  to  your  room,  and  mind,  you  shall  have  nothing  to 
eat  until  you'do  answer  me.  I'll  nip  your  obstinacy  in  the  bud." 

I  left  the  table  without  a  word.  My  mother  was  shedding  tears. 
I  went  to  my  room,  and  considered  what  I  should  do.  I  was 
resolved  not  to  involve  Jenny  in  my  disgrace,  and  I  knew  enough 
of  my  father's  disposition  to  be  aware  that  he  would  keep  me 
under  lock  and  key  for  weeks,  unless  I  yielded,  and  conformed  to 
his  wishes. 

At  length  I  heard  my  father  leave  the  house  for  his  store,  and 
then  my  mother  came  to  me. 

"  Charles,"  she  said,  "  your  father,  is  very  angry,  and  has  cause 
for  it.  You  must  tell  him,  when  he  returns,  all  that  he  desires, 
and  ask  his  pardon.  If  you  do  not  do  this,  he  will  keep  you  on 
bread  and  water  for  a  week." 

I  refused  to  make  any  concessions,  and  my  mother  left  me  with 
tears  in  her  eyes. 

Night  approached,  and  I  began  to  sigh  for  freedom.  I  thought 
ho\if  pleasant  it  would  be  to  roam  over  the  world,  and  see  all  that 
was  interesting,  and  return  home  after  a  lapse  of  many  years,  rich, 
and  with  a  mind  stored  with  knowledge.  For  the  first  time  the 
idea  flashed  acrdss  my  brain  that  I  would  rim  away  and  see  the 
world.  I  knew  that  whale  ships  were  in  the  habit  of  receiving 
gceen  hands,  aqfi  why  should  not  I  join  one?  Before  I  had  time 
to  consider  the  subject,  I  had  packed  up  a  few  of  my  clothes  in  a 
bundle,  taken  all  the  money  which  my  money-box  contained, 
amounting  to  eight  dollars,  stole  softly  down  the  front  stairs,  and 
left  the  house. 

For  a  moment  I  paused  on  the  sidewalk  opposite  my  father's 
house,  and  thought  of  the  course  which  I  was  about  to  pursue. 
Tears  came  into  my  eyes  as  I  looked  up  at  the  room  which  I  had 


14  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

occupied  for  so  many  years.  A  kind  word  then  would  have  sent 
me  back,  but  there  was  no  one  to  utter  it. 

My  dreams  were  brought  to  a  close  by  a  man  staggering  against 
me  ;  and,  looking  up,  I  found  that  during  my  reverie  I  had  been 
wandering  to  the  street  in  which  Jenny  lived,  and  that  I  was 
standing  opposite  her  father's  residence. 

I-  wanted  to  see  Jenny  before  I  left  the  city,  and  yet  I  hardly 
dared  to  call  at  the  house ;  I  feared  her  father  would  order  me 
out  of  doors.  But  at  last  I  mustered  courage,  and  went  up  the 
steps  and  rang  the  bell. 

A  young  woman  opened  the  door  with  a  flourish,  but  when  she 
saw  only  a  boy,  she  appeared  to  have  regretted  her  smartness,  and 
stood  staring  at  me.  • 

"Is  Miss  Fairchild  at  home?"  I  asked,  rather  timidly. 

"  l£es  ;  have  you  a  bundle  for  her?"  the  help  demanded. 

"  I  have  no  bundle  for  her,  but  I  wish  to  speak  with  her,"  I 
replied  with  some  spirit,  for  I  did  not  like  the  idea  of  being  taken 
for  a  bundle  boy. 

She  looked  at  me  by  the  light  of  the  gas  in  the  hall,  saw  that 
my  clothes  were  a  little  better  than  an  errand  boy's,  and  she  grew 
gracious  in  consequence. 

"  Will  ye  walk  in  till  I  tells  her?"  the  help  said,  after  a  brief 
scrutiny  of  my  person  ;  and  I  entered  the  hall,  and  then  the  parlor, 
which  was  lighted  with  but  one  burner,  for  old  Fairchild  was 
rather  particular  about  expenses.  "  I'll  call  her,"  the  help  said, 
and  off  she  started. 

While  I  was  waiting  my  heart  beat  wildly,  and  I  felt  like  bolt- 
ing from  the  house.  Each  moment  seemed  an  age  ;  but  at  length 
I  heard  the  light  step  of  Jenny,  and  then  she  stood  before  me  look- 
ing so  beautiful  and  calm,  that  I  felt  more  timid  than  ever. 

"  Why,  is  it  you?  "  she  said. 

"Yes,  I  —  I  —  have  called,"  I  gasped. 

"To  bring  me  more  figs?  "she  asked.  "  TOiy  did  you  not 
keep  them,  to  give  them  to  me  to*-morrow  ?  " 

11 1  have  no  figs,"  I  faltered. 

"  Ah,  raisins,  then.  I  don't  like  them  as  well  as  figs,  but  I 
will  take  them." 

She  reached  out  her  pretty  little  hands,  and  I  started  forward 
&nd  seized  them,  and  would  have  kissed  them,  but  she  skipped 
away  in  a  moino^t,  and  stood  at  some  distance  from  me,  looking 
somewhat  astonished. 


THE   CAUSE   OF   LEAVING   HOME.  15 

"  No  figs,  and  no  raisins?"  she  asked,  after  a  moment's  pause. 
"Pray  what  have- you  brought  me?" 

"Nothing,"  I  answered. 

"  Then  what  do  you  want?"  she  inquired,  coldly. 

Alas,  how  like  lead  her  words  fell  upon  my  heart ! 

"Jenny,"  I  faltered  ;  but  she  interrupted  me  with  a  proud  gesture. 

*'  Miss  Fairchild,  sir,  is  my  name." 

"  Excuse  me,"  I  replied,  with  deep  humility.  "  I  will  *not 
offeiid  again." 

"  You  had  better  not,"  she  answered,  with  a  toss  of  her  pretty 
head.  "  Mr.  Sutton  would  not  have  dared  take  such  liberties, 
and  I'm  sure  I  think  that  he  is  splendid." 

Bill  Sutton  was  my  rival.  He  "  splendid  "!  He  was  always 
called  the  clown  of  the  school.  That  remark  was  torture  to  me ; 
but  still  I  managed  to  bear  all  without  exhibiting  the  least  sign 
of  temper. 

"I  have  already  asked  pardon,"  I  said,  "and  now  I  will  say 
good  by,  for  I  have  a  long  journey  before  me,  and  many  months 
will  pass  before  we  shall  meet  again." 

The  little  beauty  looked  incredulous. 

"  I  shall  always  think  of  you,"  I  continued,  "  and  whether  I 
make  my  fortune  or  remain  poor,  you  will  always  have  the  first 
place  in  my  estimation." 

"  O,  dear,  I  thank  you,"  she  cried  ;  "  but  I  don't  want  to  have 
anything  to  do  with  a  poor  person." 

"  I  hope  that  you  will  learn,  as  you  grow  older,  that  there  are 
many  poor  people  in  the  world  whom  you  would  be  proud  to 
know.  But  I  did  not  come  here  to  argue  with  you." 

"  O,  didn't  you?"  and  her  pretty  nose  was  tossed  in  the  air. 

"  No ;  I  came  here  to  say  farewell,  for  I  am  about  to  leave  my 
-home,  and  I  don't  know  when  I  shall  return." 

'*  When  are  you  going?"  Jenny  asked. 

"  I  leave  this  evening." 

"  And  where  do  you  intend  to  go?  " 

u  I  am  undecided.  I  am  going  to  search  for  my  fortune,  and 
I  hope  that  I  shall  find  it.  I  have  not  been  treated  like  a  gentle- 
man at  home." 

I  expected  to  see  her  shed  a  few  tears,  but  not  one  made  its 
appearance. 

*'  Well,"  she  sai<^it  length,  "  if  you  are  going,  good  by.     I 


16  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

hope  you  won't  tell  folks  that  you  was  my  beau,  because  you  kno\V 
that  you  was  not." 

I  bowed  and  moved  towards  the  door. 

"  You  will  at  least  shake  hands  with  me,"  I  said. 

She  extended  her  little  hand,  and  suffered  me  to  touch  her  fin- 
gers. I  thought  of  the  many  pounds  of  fruit  which  she  had  taken 
from  my  hands  with  enthusiasm,  and  my  heart. -rose  up  in  my 
mo'uth,  and  I  could  hardly  restrain  my  tears ;  but  I  suppressed 
them  with  a  mighty  effort,  took  one  long  look,  and  left  the  house. 
I  walked  rapidly  for  a  few  minutes*,  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
vent  to  some  of  the  angry  feelings  that  oppressed  me ;  but  after 
J  grew  tired  I  began  to  think  that  if  the  girl  was  coquettish  I 
could  not  help  myself,  and  that  I  had  better  make  the  best  of  it, 
and  with  this  consoling  reflection  I  was  more  anxious  than  ever 
to  leave  the  city.  Where  I  was  to  pass  the  night  I  had  not  the 
slightest  idea.  I  knew  that  cars  left  the  Boston  and  Providence 
station  for  New  Bedford,'  and  as  I  had  heard  that  that  city  was 
the  great  whaling  mart  of  the  state,  I  determined  to  get  there  as 
soon  as  possible.  As  I  approached  the  depot,  I  saw  that  it  was 
lighted  up,  and  that  people  were  entering  it  in  haste,  as  though 
fearful  of  being  late. 

44  When  does  the  next  train  leave  for  New  Bedford?  "  I  asked 
of  the  clerk  in  the  ticket  office. 

"  An  extra  train  starts  in  one  minute,"  he  answered.  "  Never 
mind  the  ticket.  You  have  no  time  to  get  one.  Jump  aboard 
and  pay  the  conductor ;  "  and  he  jerked  a  bell,  and  the  conductor 
shouted,  "  All  aboard  !  " 

After  the  train  was  fairly  under  way,  I  began  to  realize  the 
position  I  had  taken,  and  grew  homesick-  accordingly.  A  few 
words  from  a  friend  would  even  then  have  turned  me  from  my 
purpose,  and  sent  me  home  a  repentant  boy. 

There  were  some  fifteen  or  twenty  sailo"rs  on  the  cars,  men  who 
had  shipped  in  Boston,  and  were  bound  to  New  Bedford,  to  join 
ships  which  were  to  cruise  in  pursuit  of  whales.  I  took  a  seat  as 
near  these  men  as  I  could  get.  They  were  not  an  attractive  lot 
of  sailors  ;  and  some  of  them  appeared  as  though  they  had  fared 
hard  on  shore,  their  faces  being  bloated,  and  two  of  them  had 
black  eyes,  and  a  third  had  a  cut  upon  his  face  that  looked  serious. 

I  supposed  that  I  should  hear  some  interesting  stories  of  the 
sea  ;  but  although  I  paid  strict  attention,  I  ru£l  say  that  their-talk 


THE  CAUSE  OF  LEAVING  HOME.  17 

was  of  the  deep  and  its  wonders.     Their  minds  were  upon  other 
topics. 

"  New  Bedford  !  "  shouted  the  conductor,  and  the  train  rolled 
into  the  depot. 

Before  the  cars  had  ceased  their  motion,  on  entering  the  depot, 
half  a  dozen  brawny  fellows,  smelling  strongly  of  oil  and  tobacco, 
jumped  upon  the  platform,  and  entered  the  car  in  which  I  was 
seated  in  company  with  the  sailors. 

"  Don't  you  go  for  to  move  till  I  tell  you  to,"  cried  a  runner, 
addressing  the  sailors. 

"  You  don't  s'pose  we  is  goin'  to  run  for  it —  do  you?  "  asked 
Jack. 

"  Never  you  mind  what  I  s'pose,"  answered  the  runner,  dog- 
matically. "  You  jist  keep  still,*  and  then  there'll  be  no  trouble 
atwixt  us.  That's  all." 

"  Hullo,  Ben  !  is  this  you  ?  "  asked  one  of  the  fellows  who  en- 
tered the  car,  and  from  whose  face,  oil  seemed  to  exude  as  natu- 
rally as  from  the  oil  springs  of  Pennsylvania. 

"  Yes,  this  is  me,  or  what  is  left  of  me,"  the  runner  grunted. 

"  Have  you  got  'em  all  here?"  asked  the  oily  man,  casting  his 
eyes  over  the  sleepy  sailors. 

"  Well,  I  'spect  they  is.  Did  you  ever  know  me  to  lose  a  man 
in  my  life  ?  " 

"  Can't  say  that  I  ever  did,  Ben.  But  pass  'em  out,  and  we'll 
take  care  of  'em.  Ronse  and  shine,  lads,  for  there's  ile  afore  ye, 
and  in  two  years  ye'll  all  be  so  rich  that  you  won^t  know  what  to 
do  with  your  money." 

"  That  will  do  for  the  marines,"  grumbled  one  of  the  men. 

"Hullo,  old  grumbler;  you  want  a  little  waking  up  —  don't 
you?"  asked  the  city  man.  "When  you  is  on  the  blue  \\ater, 
you  won't  talk  that  way.  But  come  along,  for  the  boats  is  wait- 
ing for  yer." 

"Ain't  we  to  stop  on  shore  to-night?"  cried  half  a  dozen  in 
chorus.  *'  We  want  one  more  good  drink  afore  we-  goes  to  sea." 

u  We  can't  trust  you,€my  beauties,"  answered  the  oily  one. 
"  You  goes  on  board  to-night,  and  the  skipper  can  do  as  he  pleases 
to-morrow.  Come,  heave  ahead.  Let's  get  on  board,  and  have 
some  supper  and  a  glass  of  grog.  The  Sally  is  awaiting  us." 

"  Then  let  her  wait  and  be ,"  was  the  indignant  cry  of  the 

men,  -who  had  made  up  their  minds  for  one  more  carouse. 
2 


IS  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

44  Ah,  that's  the  talk  —  is  it?  "  cried  the  oily  man  ;  "  then  we'll 
put  on  the  irons,  and  see  how  you  like  it." 

A  perfect  howl  of  rage  escaped  the  sailors  at  this  threat. 

44  Don't  let  any  one  leave  the  car,"  shouted  the  oily  one.  u  Ben, 
you  must  lend  us  a  hand  here." 

41  Ay,  ay  ;  I'm  ready,'"  answered  the  runner,  peeling  off  his  coat 
and  rolling  up  his  sleeves. 

I  found  that  my  position  was  not  a  comfortable  one  by  any 
means ;  yet  there  was  no  chance  to  retreat  unless  I  escaped  by 
one  of  the  windows.  I  threw  one  of  them  up,  and  put  out  my 
head,  and  that  act  attracted  the  attention  of  the  oily  man. 

44  That  feller  is  trying  to  get  off,"  he  shouted,  and  made  a  jump 
for  me,  and  caught  me  by  one  foot,  and  jerked  me  back  with  some 
violence ;  but  luckily  I  struck  on  the  cushion  of  the  seat,  arid  did 
not  get  much  injured.  At  any  rate,  I  feared  that  I  was  hurt,  and 
shouted  most  lustily. 

44  Avast,  there,  you  blubber-hunter,"  shouted  Jack,  a  sailor, 
who  had  sat  next  to  me.  44  He  ain't  one  of  us." 

44  You  lie,"  shouted  the  oily  man,  giving  my  foot  another 
wrench,  which  made  me  yell  in  earnest*. 

44  Lie,  do  I  ?  "  asked  Jack,  stretching  his  stout,  compact  form, 
and  then  letting  fly  one  of  his  hard  fists,  and  a  blow  lodged  be- 
tween the  eyes  of  the  man  of  grease,  and  over  he  went  with  a 
crash  and  a  curse  that  started  his  friends  to  the  rescue. 

*  A  free  fight,"  yelled  Jack. 

4*  A  fight  all  round,"  echoed  the  sailors,  and  both  parties  sprang 
forward  to  encounter  each  other. 

Over  the  seats  they  went  as  fierce  as  wolves.  They  flew  at 
each  other's  throats,  and  struck,  and  bit,  and  gouged  each  other, 
RDd  rolled  over  and  under  the  seats,  and  swore;  and  while  the 
fight  was  raging  most  fiercely,  out  went  the  lights,  and  then  the 
men  could  not  tell  friend  from  foe,  and  all  was  confusion. 

While  the  battle  was  raging  hottest,  I  recollected  that  I  had 
something  to  look  after,  and  that  was  my  own  preservation.  I 
put  my  legs  out  of  the  window  and  let  myself  out  of  the  car ;  but 
the  instant  I  struck  the  depot  I  slipped  and  fell,  and  just  as  I  did 
so,  a 'man,  who  was  rushiug  towards  me,  stumbled  over  my  body, 
and  down  he  went  with  a  crash. 

Before  he  could  regain  his  feet  I  had  regained  mine,  seized  the 
bundle  which  1  owued  and  had  thrown  from  the  window,  and  ran. 


THE   CAUSE   OF    LKAVINU   HOMK.  19 

"  Stop  him  !  "  shouted  the  man  who  had  fallen  ;  but  the  people 
ill  the  depot  were  too  intent  upon  the  fight  in  the  car  to  pay  much 
attention  to  me,  and  as  I  dodged  out  of  the  building,  I  skirted  an 
acre  or  two  of  oil  casks,  which  were  lying  near,  and  broke  for 
the  darkest  place  that  I  could  find. 

After  walking  for  some  live  minutes,  I  heara  the  sound  of  a 
fiddle,  and  saw  an  illuminated  sigh  which  informed  me  that 
"  lodging  and  meals  could  be  had  here  ;  "  and  as  one  place  seemed 
as  good  as  another,  I  entered  the  building,  and  found  myself  in  a 
bar-room,  graced  with  innumerable  black  bottles,  clay  pipes,  to- 
bacco, and  cheap  cigars.  At  one  end  of  the  room  was  a  negro, 
with  a  violin  in  his  embrace,  and  he  was  producing  some  very 
nautical  airs,  while  on  the  bar,  with  red  flannel  shirt  sleeves 
rolled  up,  displaying  arms  by  no  means  clean,  leaned  a  dirty- 
looking  fellow,  from  the  pores  of  whose  skin  whale  oil  appeared 
to  flow  in  the  form  of  perspiration.  At  a  table  some  'distance 
from  the  bar  were  seated  some  three  or  four  men,  in  half-sailor, 
half-landsman  costume,  and  they  were  engaged  in  drinking  ale 
and  smoking  very  black  pipes. 

As  soon  as  I  entered  the  room  the  negro  stopped  fiddling  and 
looked  at  me.  The  bar-keeper  slightly  changed  his  position,  and 
also  looked  at  me,  and  the  four  men  with  the  ale  and  pipes  also  di- 
rected their  gaze  at  me.  I  evidently  was  a  rara  avis  in  such 
quarters. 

After  looking  around  for  a  moment,  I  stepped  to  the  bar,  and 
as  if  from  habit  the  bar-keeper  placed  a  tumbler  on  the  bar,  so  as 
to  be  ready  to  fill  it  with  such  liquor  as  I  might  want. 

"  Is  there  a  better  hotel  than  this  in  the  place?  "  I  inquired. 

"  Why,  what  is  the  matter  with  this  ?  "  was  asked  by  the  bar- 
keeper. 

"  Nothing  that  I  know  of,"  I  replied  ;  "  only  I  thought  I  should 
like  to  find  a  place  where  I  can  obtain  a  good  night's  rest." 

"  If  you  want  to  stop  here  to-night,  just  shell  out  twenty -five 
cents,  and  you  can  do  it ;  otherwise  no." 

I  took  from  my  pocket  a  twenty-five  cent  piece,  and  laid  it  upon 
the  bar,  and  the  greasy  genius  pounced  upon  it  as  though  it  had 
been  a  barrel  of  oil. 

"Want  anything  to  drink?"  asked  the  bar-keeper. 

u  Nothing  but  a  glass  of  water." 

He  whirled  a  tumbler  at  me  as  though  1  "had  insulted  him  by 


20  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

asking  for  water.  I  rinsed  it  with  water  from  the  pitcher,  and 
then  drank  what  I  wanted,  and  intimated  that  I  was  ready  to 
retire. 

"  Don't  want  any  grub  —  do  you  ?  "  the  bar-keeper  asked. 

"  No." 

"Well, .then,  Jake,  show  him  to  No.  1,  and  see  that  the  win- 
dows is  down,  for  it  may  rain  during  the  night.  Blow  out  the 
light  when  you  are  done,  and  set  it  out  at  the  door." 

I  promised  compliance,  and  followed  a  negro  to  the  room. 
The  bed  did  not  look  inviting.  The  floor  of  the  chamber  was  not 
particularly  clean,  and  some  portions  of  it  resembled  the  deck  of 
a  whaler  while  cutting  in  and  trying  out.  For  a  moment  I  stood 
looking  at  the  bed,  the  room,  and  the  negro,  and  the  latter  looked 
at  me  with  a  broad  grin  upon  his  face,  and  the  white  of  his  eyes 
glistening  like  ivory. 

"  Is  this  the  best  bed  in  the  house  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Well,  sar,  it  am  as  good  as  any,"  was  the  reply.  "  I  speet 
dat  you  will  do  berry  well  dare  if  you  once  get  asleep." 

The  negro  was  about  to  retire  when  I  stopped  him. 

"  You  love  a  drop  of  liquor  —  don't  you?"  I  asked. 

He  grinned  all  over,  and  showed  more  ivory  than  a  sperm 
whale  in  its  most  angry  mood. 

"  Well,  sar,  I  does  like. a  drop  once  in  a  while,  dat  am  a  fact." 

"  Then  drink  my  health  with  this  quarter ;  "  and  I  put  one  in 
his  hand. 

"  I'll- do  it,  by  de  Lord  Harry ;  you  see  ef  I  don't." 

He  left  me  in  haste  to  put  his  promise  into  execution,  and  after 
I  had  taken  off  my  coat  and  put  the  light  outside  of  the  door,  I 
lay  down  upon  the  bed ;  but  it  was  a  long  time  before  I  could 
sleep,  late  as'it  was. 

But  sleep  at  length  came  upon  me,  and  I  dreamed  that  I  was  a 
sperm  whale,  and  that  I  was  surrounded  by  innumerable  men 
armed  with  lances  and  irons,  and  that  each  one  was  trying  to 
fasten  to  me,  and  at  length  just  as  one  of  the  negroes  let  fly  his 
iron,  I  awoke  with  a  start.  Some  one  had  his  hand  in  my  pocket, 
but  not  the  one  which  contained  my  slender  store  of  money.  I 
gave  a  sudden  spring,  and  struck  with  my  left  fist  in  the  direction 
of  the  person  who  was  robbing  me  ;  and  luckily  the  blow  took  effect, 
and  lighted  upon  his  nose,  for  the  hand  was  hastily  withdrawn 
from  my  pocket,  and  an  oath  was  muttered,  and  then  I  heard 


THE    CAUSE   OF   LEAVING   HOME.  21 

the  robber  move  softly  across  the  room  and  leave  it,  closing  tho 
door. 

I  sprang  from  the  bed  and  struck  a  match,  but  saw  no  one.  I 
next  tried  the  door,  and  found  that  it  had  been  unlocked,  although 
the  key  was  still  in  the  lock.  I  did  not  know  how  successfully 
nippers  could  be  used  in  the  hands  of  the  experienced.  The  house 
was  quiet,  and  I  thought  it  would  be  foolish  on  my  part  to  give 
an  alarm ;  so  I  locked  the  door  again,  removed  the  key,  and 
this  time  determined  not  to  sleep ;  but  before  I  was  aware  of  it, 
I  was  off,  and  did  not  awaken  until  the  sun  was  high  in  the  heav- 
ens ;  and  the  first  thing  that  I  did  hear,  when  I  opened  my 
eyes,  was  the  fiddle  in  the  bar-room,  playing  the  same  old  tunes, 
with  an  occasional  break-down,  as  though  the  performer  was 
attempting  to  play  and  dance  at  the  same  time. 

I  arose  and  looked  around  for  a  wash-stand  and  water ;  but  such 
things  Were  not  to  be  found,  and  I  was  forced  to  walk  down  stairs 
into  the  bar-room,  where  I  met  Jake,  violin  in  hand,  and  the  bar- 
keeper, with  a  green  jacket  on,  leaning  upon  the  bar  in  the  same 
indolent  manner  as  upon  the  night  before.  I  thought  he  blushed, 
but  it  may  have  been  the  oil  that  was  in  his  system.  I  imagined 
that  his  nose  was  swollen  a  trifle  larger  than  the  night  before, 
and  I  wondered  if  I  was  the  occasion  of  it.  The  instant  Jake 
saw  me,  he  laid  his  fiddle  down  on  a  chair,  and  came  towards  me, 
showing  every  ivory  in  his  head. 

"  I  hopes  dat  you  sleeps  well,"  he  said.  "  Let  me  hab  dat  coat 
ef  you  please.  I  brush  'em  for  you,  and  den  gib  your  shoes  a 
lick." 

He  took  the  coat,  in  spite  of  a  feeble  resistance  on  my  part,  and 
the  next  moment  was  improving  its  appearance. 

44  Have  a  drink  ?  "  the  bar-keeper  asked. 

'*  No  ;  I  want  a  place  to  wash,  and  some  breakfast." 

His  fish-like  eyes  brightened  as  he  saw  the  prospect  of  getting 
a  few  more  cents  from  me.  He  led  the  way  to  a  back  room,  and 
pointed  to  a  dirty  sink,  and  a  huge  piece  of  yellow  soap,  which  was 
enough  to  make  me  wish  myself  back  in  my  father's  house  once 
more. 

"  I  a'pose  you  slept  well,"  the  fellow  said,  while  I  was  pump- 
ing some  water. 

"  So,  so,"  I  answered. 

He  made  no  reply,  but  walked  t>ff  and  took  his  old  place  be* 
hind  the  bar. 


22  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

After  a  wash,  I  had  breakfast,  consisting  of  tough  beef  steak, 
and  oily  coffee,  and  butter  that  was  strong  enough  to  man  a  whaler. 
For  this  I  was  modestly  charged  fifty  cents  ;  and  after  I  had  paid 
the  bill,  I  set  forth  to  find  a  ship,  on  board  of  which  I  could  com- 
mence my  sight-seeing,  and  experience  the  pleasure  of  looking  at 
the  world. 


CHAPTER  II. 

.HOW  I   SHIPPED   IN   A   WHALER  AS   A   GREEN  HAND. 

I  HAD  got  but  a  few  steps  from  the  house  where  I  had  passed 
the  night,  when  I  heard  some  one  panting  after  me  ;  and 'looking 
around,  I  found  that  Jake  was  close  upon  niy  heels. 

"  Is  you  goin'  to  look  for  a  ship  now  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  Yes/' 

"  Well,  den,  I  will  go  wid  you  ef  you  has  no  'jections.  I  show 
you  whar  de  shippin'  office  am,  sure." 

I  did  not  like  the  idea  of  walking  through  the  streets  by  the 
side  of  a  negro,  for  I  had  always  looked  upon  colored  men  as 
many  degrees  lower  in  the  scale  of  humanity  than  whites,  but 
this  was  years  ago,  and  before  slavery  was  abolished ;  but  as 
Jake  seemed  so  respectful,  I  thought  I  would  humor  him. 

We  walked  through  the  main  street,  until  we  came  to  a  store, 
upon  which  were  signs  informing  the  public  that  it  was  "  Podgers' 
Original  Shipping  Office,"  and  also  that  "  Landsmen  are  wanted 
for  first-class  Whaling  Voyages.  Good  lays.  Clothes  Furnished 
on  Credit."  Opposite  this  attractive  place  Jake  paused,  and  then 
looked  at  me  and  grinned. 

"  Dis  de  place  whar  you  ship  ef  you  want  to,"  Jake  said.  "  Old 
Podgers  in  dar,  and  tell  you  all  about  it  ef  you  ax  'em.  Ef  you 
don't  like  Podgers,  den  go  to  Sharky.  He  keep  shippin'  office 
too,  and  tell  you  lots  of  lies,  and  no  mistake." 

" 1  will  go  in  and  see  Podgers,"  I  said,  and  in  I  went. 

The  store  was  filled  with  boots  and  shoes,  tin  pots  and  pans, 
sheath  knives  and  sheaths  and  belts,  Guernsey  frocks,  red  flannel 
Bhirts,  thick  trousers,  pine  chests,  boxes  of  cheap  cigars  and 


THE   CAUSE    OF    LEAVING   HOME.  23 

tobacco,  fancy  shirts,  portable  looking-glasses,  formidable  appear- 
ing fine-tooth  combs,  and  a  hundred  other  things  which  go  to 
make  up  a  sailor's  chest  and  stock  for  a  long  voyage. 

Mr.  Podgers  was  a  man  about  sixty  years  of  age,  very  bald 
and  very  vulgar-looking.  He  shipped  green  hands,  and  supplied 
them  with  outfits  on  credit,  but  at  such  exorbitant  charges  that 
he  calculated  that  if  he  got  pay  for  one  outfit  in  three,  he  made 
a  hundred  per  cent,  profit.  He  was  a  member  of  a  fashionable 
church,  and  believed  that  every  sailor  who  did  not  pay  him  in 
full  was  damned  to  all  eternity  ;  and,  in  truth,  he  rather  liked  the 
idea,  and  would  have  felt  sorry  if  any  one  had  attempted  to  prove 
that  such  would  not  be  the  case. 

Such  was  the  man  whom  I  saw  seated  upon  a  stool,  a  short, 
black  pipe  stuck  in  his  mouth,  a  greasy  cap  upon  the  back  of 
his  greasy  head,  and  a  pen  behind  his  ear.  As  I  entered  the 
store,  he  turned  his  fish-like  eyes  upon  me. 

"Well,  sir,  what  can  I  serve  you  with  this  morning  ?"  Pod- 
gers asked,  coming  forward,  and  scrutinizing  me  from  head  to 
foot. 

"  I  see  that  you  have  ships  that  are  about  sailing,  and  I  called 
to  consult  about  the  chances  of  shipping  in  one,"  I  replied. 

44  Ever  bin  to  sea  afore?  "  ne  asked. 

«  No." 

"  Green  hand,  eh?  Wai,  now,  I  don't  know  about  it.  Seems 
to  me  that  all  the  young  fellers  in  the  States  wants  to  go  to  sea 
jist  at  this  'ticlar  time.  Ef  you  had  ever  bin  at  sea,  why,  I 
could  take  you  in  a  minute,  and  give  you  a  good  lay  and  a 
good  ship.  But  as  it  is,  why,  I  don't  know." 

"  Perhaps  I  can  find  a  ship  somewhere  else,"  I  said,  and  moved 
towards  the  door. 

"  Stop  !  "  he  shouted.  "  I  didn't  say  that  I  couldn't  find  you  a 
berth  —  did  I?  What  kind  of  a  vige.do  you  want?" 

"  What  kind  do  you  think  best?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  s'pose  that  you  would  have  no  'jections  to  sailin*  with  a 
pious  cap'n?"  Podgers  asked,  after  a  moment's  thought. 

"  Certainly  not,"  I  replied. 

"  Nor  pious  mates,  I  s'pose." 

"  No." 

"  Wai,  that  is  one  pint  towards  our  bargain,  if  we  make  one 


24  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

The  cap'n  of  the  Sally  is  a  professor  of  religion,  and  don't  have 
eweariu'  aboard  of  his  ship." 

"  The  Sally,"  I  repeated  ;  "  why,  I  came  in  the  cars  last  night 
with  a  lot  of  men  intended  for  that  ship." 

"  O,  did  you?  "  Podgers  asked  ;  "  well,  the  men  had  a  fight  at 
the  depot,  I'm  told.  I  fear  they  are  an  ungodly  set." 

44  Captain  Bunker,"  Podgers  continued,  u  is  a  mighty  particlar 
man,  and  won't  have  any  profundity  on  board  of  his  ship." 

44  Profanity,  I.  suppose  you  mean,"  I  said. 

44  Wai,  sir,  I  don't  s'pose  there's  much  difference ;  and  if  there 
is,  I  don't  parceve  it." 

I  saw  that  the  good  man  was  offended,  and  I  hastened  to  ap- 
pease him  ;  but  it  was  a  long  time  before  he  could  get  over  it  and 
become  reconciled  to  me. 

"  Wai,  how  about  your  clothes  ?  "  he  inquired.  4t  Have  you 
got  any  money  to  buy  'em?  Or  have  you  got  an  outfit?" 

44 1  have  seven  dollars,"  I  said. 

44  That  is  somethin',  but  not  enough.  I  can  trust  you  for  some 
clothes,  and  -take  what  money  you  have  got  towards  paying  for 
'em." 

I  laid  down  my  seven  dollars,  and  he  pounced  upon  them  like  a 
hungry  shark  upon  a  piece  of  fat  pork. 

"  It  is  all  the  money  I  have,"  I  remarked,  '.'  and  I  don't  know 
what  will  support  me  until  I  go  on  board  of  some  ship,  if  you 
keep  it." 

4*  0,  I  can  send  you  on  board  of  the  Sally  this  afternoon.  She 
sails  to-morrow." 

He  was  determined  not  to  give  me  the  money  at  all  hazards. 

44  You  haven't  got  a  father  that  would  be  willin'  to  pay  for 
your  traps  —  have  you  ?  "  Podgers  asked,  after  a  moment's  con- 
sideration. 

I  shook  my  head. 

44  Ah,  well,  never  mind.  I  must  trust  you,  I  suppose.  Ah,  if 
I  only  had  what  I  have  been  cheated  out  of  by  sailors,  I  could 
leave  business  and  devote  the  remainder  of  my  days  to  charity." 

He  beckoned  me  behind  the  counter  to  an  awful  oily  desk, 
where  some  papers  were  spread,  and  pointed  with  his  fat  finger  to 
a  line,  and  put  a  pen  in  my  hands. 

4'  I  hope,"  he  groaned,  "  that  Cap'n  Bunker  won't  be  down  on 
me  for  shippin*  you.  He  is  a  mighty  particlar  man,  and  don't 


AN    OUTFIT    FOR   A   VOYAGE.  25 

like  to  take  green  hands.  He  is  a  great  man  for  whalin',  and 
likes  short  viges.  Ah,  he  is  what  we  call  *a  good  man,  and  no* 
mistake." 

I  afterwards  found  out  what  constitutes  a  good  man  in  the 
estimation  of  the  New  Bedford  whaling  portion  of  the  com- 
munity. 

"  I  s'pose,"  Podgers  continued,  "  that  I  shall  have  to  allow  you 
about  the  one  hundred  and  ninetieth  lay,  and  hope  that  when 
you  come  home  with  pockets  full  of  money,  you  won't  forget  that 
Podgers  gave  you  a  start  in  life,  and  consequently  make  him  a 
handsome  present." 

I  assured  the  honest  man  that  I  should  remember  him,  and  I 
have  from  that  day  to  this. 

I  signed  my  name,  and  became  enrolled  as  one  of  the  crew  of 
the  ship  Sally,  and  for  wages  was  to  receive  one  barrel  of  oil  out 
of  every  one  hundred  and  ninety  taken  on  board,  which  is  called, 
in  whaling  parlance,  the  lay. 

Then  I  signed  another  paper,  which  secured  to  Podgers  his  pay 
for  outfits,  in  case  whale  were  taken,  and  I  was  disposed  to  leave 
at  some  foreign  port ;  and  after  that  the  shipping-master  began  to 
select  my  clothes,  together  with  a  belt  and  sheath-knife,  a  pot  and 
pan,  a  spoon,  and  a  fork.  I  insisted  upon  a  fork,  although  Pod- 
gers scoffed  at  the  idea. 

"  What  does  a  sailor-man  want  of  a  fork?"  he  asked,  with  an 
expression  of  scorn. 

"  To  eat  with,"  I  replied. 

"  Bah  !  they  allers  eats  with  their  fingers.     But  put  it  in." 

"  There,"  said  Podgers,  throwing  in  a  monkey-jacket  of  rather 
coarse  material,  "there  are  clothes  enough  for  four  years,  if  you 
is  only  keerful  of  'em.  Otherwise  no." 

"  And  what  are  they  worth?"  I  ventured  to  inquire. 

4 'Let  me  see.  Shirts,  best  quality.  Gone  up  within  three 
days.  Trousers,  such  as  no  man  need  feel  ashamed  to  wear, 
even  to  church.  I'm  short  of  'em,  and  they  can't  be  had  at  fair 
prices.  They  has  gone  up  like  sixty.  But  I'll  be  reasonable." 

"  Perhaps  the  price  of  jackets  has  also  gone  up,"  I  remarked, 
as  I  saw  that  he  was  regarding  one  attentively. 

Pie  looked  at  me  a  moment  to  see  whether  I  was  joking  or 
not. 

"  Well,  we'll  say  about  eighty  dollars  for  what  there  is  there," 


26  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

he  remarked,  after  a  mental  calculation.  "  I  don't  do  right  by 
my  family  in  selling  'em  so  cheap." 

The  old  rascal !  The  articles  could  all  have  been  purchased  at 
a  store  in  Boston  for  fifteen  dollars,  and  dear  at  that. 

"  Now  you  go  on  board  as  soon  as"  you  please,"  the  shipping- 
master  said,."  and  let  me  advise  you  to  jump  and  obey  orders  arter 
you  is  on  board,  or  you'll  find  out  that  there  is  some  difference 
'twixt  the  land  and  sea." 

The  greasy  scamp  stuck  his  black  pipe  in  his  mouth,  and  be- 
gan to  smoke,  and,  while  I  was  looking  at  him,  Jake  entered  the 
store. 

"  Here,  you  nigger,"  said  the  shipping-master,  "  I  want'  this 
feller  and  his  traps  put  on  board  the  Sally ;  do  you  get  him  on 
board  and  I'll  give  you  a  half  pint  of  whiskey  —  some  of  the 
squealing  sort." 

"  I'll  do  it,  sar,"  answered  Jake.  "  I's  glad  dat  he's  going  in 
de  same  ship  dat  I  go  in.  I  larn  him  to  be  a  whaler,  sure,  and 
like  as  not  he  be  boat  steerer  afore  we  come  back." 

•"  The  more  hope  that  I  shall  get  my  pay,"  grunted  Podgers. 

I  took  hold  of  one  end  of  the  chest,  and  Jake  the  ether,  and  we 
staggered  off  towards  the  wharf,  which  was  about  ten  rods  distant 
from  the  store. 

On  reaching  the  wharf,  I  ran  up  to  the  lodging-house  where  I 
had  passed  the  night,  and  got  my  bundle  which  I  had  left  there ; 
but  before  I  could  take  my  leave  of  the  place,  the  tallow-faced 
bar-keeper  asked  me  to  drink,  and  I  declined. 

"  Going  whaling?  "  he  asked,  with  his  elbow  still  upon  the  bar. 

"  Yes,"  I  answered. 

"  Wai,"  he  replied,  "  you  is  like  a  young  bar." 

"Why?"  I  asked. 

"  Wai,  'cos  you  has  got  all  your  troubles  afore  you  ; "  and  with 
that  he  laughed  most  heartily,  and  while  he  was  laughing  I  left 
him  and  ran  down  to  the  dock,  where  I  found  Jake  sitting  on  my 
chest,  and  singing  negro  melodies,  to  the  intense  delight  of  a  large 
collection  of  greasy-looking  boys. 

"  The  boat  from  the  Sally  no  come  yet,"  Jake  said,  when  he 
saw  me.  "  I  is  no  hurry  to  get  dare  —  is  you  ?  I  spect  dat  we 
shall  see  nuffof  de  old  Sally  widout  being  anxious  to  jine  'em." 

About  twelve  o'clock,  a  whale  boat  put  off  from  the  ship.  Aa 
it  drew  near,  Jake  exclaimed,  — 


I  *MAKE   THE   ACQUAINTANCE    OP   THE    CAPTAIN.  27 

"  By  golly,  here  coine  de  skipper  ;  and  now  you  hab  a  chance  to 
see  'em." 

Upon  the  strength  of  that  information,  I  looked  quite  hard  at 
the  man  in  the  stern-sheets,  who  was  working  a  steering  oar  with 
much  vigor.  He  was  stout  and  short,  with  red  hair  and  h'eavy 
beard.  As  he  landed  upon  the  wharf,  I  saw  that  his  eyes  were 
red,  that  his  hands  were  dirty,  and  that  his  mouth  was.filled  with 
tobacco  ;  and  according  to  my  ideas,  he  did  not  look  at  all  like  a  . 
Christian,  or  a  Sabbath  school  teacher. 

"Well,  nigger,  what  are  you  doing  here?"  he  asked  of  Jake. 

"  Fs  going  to  help  dis  boy  get  his  tings  on  board, .  bar,"  an- 
swered Jake. 

"  What,  is  this  one  of  my  boys  ?  "  he  asked,  with  a  look  at 
me. 

"  Yes,  sar ;  Mr.  Podgers  ship  'em  dis  mornin'  as  green  hand." 

"  And  green  'enough  he  is,  I  s'pose." 

"What  is  your  name,  you  sir?"  Captain  Bunker,  the  pride  of 
whalemen,  and  the  pet  of  New  Bedford,  thundered. 

"  Charles  Allspice,"  I  responded. 

"That's  a spicy  name ;  but  if  you  show  any  pepper  on 

board,  I  shall  apply  the  salt,  and  we  will  see  which  gets  the  best 
of  it.  You  are  not  going  on  board  the  Sally  to  eat  the  bread  of 
idleness,  by  a sight ;  so  I  give  you  warning." 

u  Good  gracious,"  I.  thought,  "  if  this  is  a  specimen  of  the 
Christians  of  New  Bedford,  what  must  the  sinners  be  ?  " 

But  it  was  too  late  for  me  to  investigate  such  matters,  for  I 
was  forced  into  the  boat  with  my  chest,  and  the  next  moment 
was  pulling  for  the  Sally. 

The  Sally,  which  was  to  be  my  future  home,  looked  as  though 
she  had  been  built  by  contract  with  a  number  of  other  ships,  and 
sawed  off  at  bow  and  stern,  for  she  was  blunt  one  way  as  the 
other,  and  could  sail  stern  foremost  as  rapidly  as  she  could  go 
ahead.  Sailors  who  knew  her  best  said  that  she  could  make 
more  leeway  during  a  twenty-four  hours'  gale,  than  she  could 
make  good  in  twenty-four  hours  with  a  fair  wind ;  but  I  have  my 
reasons  for  saying  that  I  think  such  an  assertion  was  greatly  ex- 
aggerated. Extending  from  stem  to  stern  was  a  bright  streak  of 
varnish,  about  a  foot  wide,  and  looking  as  greasy  as  the  majority 
of  whalers  generally  look.  The  masts  and  yards  of  the  Sally 
were  not  stepped  and  slung  with  mathematical  precisiou.  That  I 


28  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

could  tell  at  a  glance,  although  'I  was  no  sailor,  and  did  not  know 
the  name  of  a  single  spar  at  that  time. 

When  the  boat  was  alongside  of  the  pride  of  New  Bedford, 
and  I  was  requested  to  "  parbuckle  "  myself  to  the  deck  —  an  in- 
vitation that  I  did  not  know  the  meaning  of,  until  Jake  put  a 
couple  of  ropes  in  my  hand,  and  told  me  to  stick  my  toes  upon 
some  cleats  nailed  on  the  side  of  the  ship,  and  then  go  up,  and  I 
did  so  after  seeing  some  one  try  the  experiment. 

Upon  reaching  the  deck  of  the  Sally,  I  found  what  appeared  to 
me  supreme  confusion.  Men  with  very  dirty  trousers,  and  very 
black  jumpers,  were  rushing  about  the  deck,  pulling  at  first  one 
rope  and  then  another,  and  then  shouting  to  other  men  aloft,  and 
the  men  aloft  were  shouting  to  those  on  deck  the  most  incompre- 
hensible orders,  and  emphasizing  the  same  with  terrible  oaths,  to 
which  those  on  deck  responded  with"  interest*  No  one  took  any 
notice  of  me,  and  I  leaned  against  the  rail,  looking  on  amazed, 
until  I  was  aroused  by  a  fierce  voice  asking,  — 

u  Whose  traps  are  these?" 

I  looked  up  and  saw  a  tall,  lank  man,  with  ferocious  black 
whiskers,  a  flat  nose,  —  a  nose  that  seemed  to  have  been  beaten 
even  with  his  face  by  some  terrible  blow,  —  standing  near  me  and 
chewing  tobacco  at  a  terrible  rate. 

"  Whose  traps  are  these  ?  "  the  fierce  man  repeated. 

"  Mine,"  I  answered. 

44  Then  what  in  — • —  is  it  doing  here?  Away  with  it  to  the 
forecastle." 

"Where  is  that?  "I  asked. 

"  What  a fool !  "  the  fierce  man  said.  "  Take  the  chest 

for'ard.  It  seems  as  though  the  race  of  greenhorns  would  never 
die  out.  Come,  look  lively,  for  I  want  the  deck  cleared." 

I  don't  know  how  I  should  have  got  out  of  the  trouble  if  it 
had  not  been  for  Jake,  who  joined  me  at  that  moment,  and  who 
grinned  at  the  fierce  man  in  such  a  kind,  good-natured  way, 
that  I  think  his  heart,  if  he  had  one,  wa*  slightly  touched. 

"  Well,  darky,  have  you  come  on  board  for  good?" 

"  Yes,  sar.  I  cum  off  wid  dis  young  man  who  shipped  dis 
mornin'.  Hope  you  berry  well,  Mr.  Spadem." 

*'  Well,  help  the  feller  carry  his  traps  to  the  forecastle,  and  look 
arter  him  a  bit." 

"  Dat,"  whispered  Jake,  as  we  dragged  the  chest  forward,  over 


IN   THE   FORECASTLE.  29 

sails  and  barrels,  harpoons  and  lances,  grindstones  and  blocks, 
just  received  on  board,  "  is  Mr.  Spadem,  de  mate,  who  kills 
more  whales  dan  any  udder  man,  and  make  lots  money  for  de 
owners." 

u  Is  he  a  Christian,  also  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Ha,  ha !  "  chuckled  Jake  ;  "  dey  is  all  Christians  on  shore,  and 
berry  devils  at  sea.  But  you  find  'em  out  by  and  by.  Now,  den, 
here  am  de  forecastle,  and  a  precious  time  dey  is  habin*  down 
dare,  sure." 

I  stepped  to  the  scuttle  and  looked  down.  A  strong  steam  of 
mingled  onions,  tobacco,  smoke,  rum,  and  bilge- water  was  ascend- 
ing the  narrow  passage. 

"Wai,  dey  is  having  a  time,  and  no  mistake,"  muttered  Jake, 
listening  at  the  scuttle  for  a  moment. 

"  Is  that  the  place  for  sailors  ? "  I  asked,  with  a  tremulous 
voice. 

"  Dat  de  place,  and  a  berry  good  place  you  find  Jem ;  arter  you 
has  ben  on  deck  in  de  wet  and  cold  for  four  hours,  you  tink  'em 
a  riglar  hotel  den,  and  no  mistake." 

I  had  some  doubts  on  the  subject ;  but  I  afterwards  found  that 
his  words  were  true. 

"  Wai,"  said  Jake,  after  a  moment's  pause,  "  I  s'pose  we  must 
lower  de  chest  down  somehow  ;  so  you  hold  'em  one  end  and  go 
afore.  Now,  den,  here  we  goes." 

Jake  seized  one  end  of  the  chest,  and  commenced  backing 
down  the  narrow,  greasy  steps,  and  in  an  instant  there  were  heard 
a  dozen  men  shouting,  — 

"  Out  of  the  light,  and  be to  you  ; "  "  Hit  his  heels ; " 

"  Stern,  all  ;"•"  There  goes  flukes  ;  "  and  many  other  expressions 
which  were  strange  to  me  and  incomprehensible. 

At  length  we  landed  in  safety,  and  then  I  looked  around  to  see 
what  kind  of  a  place  I  was  in.  Although  it  was  midday,  there 
was  a  light  burning  between  two  upright  pieces  of  timber,  at  the 
foot  of  the  steps,  and  I  afterwards  learned  they  were  called 
"  bitts."  Around  the  den,  which  was  dark  and  dirty,  was  a  row 
of  chests,  and  on  these  were  seated  sixteen  or  twenty  men,  some 
of  them  playing  cards  for  piles  of  tobacco,  while  others  were 
drinking  from  tin  pots,  and  refilling  them  from  suspicious-looking 
black  bottles. 

A  more  diabolical  looking  set  of  fiends  I  never  saw  in  all  my 


30  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

life.  I  was  a  little  astonished,  and  remained  speechless  while  I 
looked  on  the  scene. 

I  forgot  to  mention  that  around  the  forecastle,  in  the  form  of  a 
triangle,  were  berths  for  the  men  to  sleep  in,  and  some  of  the 
sailors  appeared  to  be  improving  their  time,  and  napping  away 
undisturbed  by  the  noise  and  confusion. 

"  Who  in  the  devil's  name  are  you?"  asked  one  fellow,  shying 
a  pot  at  my  head,  which  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  dodge. 

I  made  no  answer. 

"  Can't  you  speak,  you  son  of  a  fresh-water  dog?"  the  man 
thundered,  and  he  raised  a  black  bottle  to  throw  at  me,  but  just 
then  Jake  interposed. 

"  You  jist  let  'em  alone,"  the  negro  cried,  with  some  little  sign 
of  temper.  "  You  no  see  dat  he  jist  jine  de  ship,  and  no  under- 
stand much  about  sailor's  life." 

"  What  is  that  to  you,  snow-ball?"  th,e  sailor  asked,  and  re- 
moving a  quid  of  tobacco  from  his  mouth,  he  threw  it  at  Jake, 
and  the  filth  lodged  upon  the  face  of  the  negro. 

I  saw  an  expression  like  that  of  a  fiend  pass  over  the  negro's 
face ;  and  then  I  saw  him  tear  his  old  Scotch  cap  from  his  head, 
and  dash  it  upon  the  deck,  and  then  bend  his  bullet-shaped  head, 
until  it  was  on  a  level  with  the  sailor's  breast ;  and  then,  like  a 
thunder-bolt,  the  darky  dashed  forward,  and  with  his  head  struck 
the  sailor  upon  his  breast,  and  over  he  went  upon  the  deck,  as 
though  he  had  been  shot.  ^  ' 

But  Jake  did  not  stop  with  his  butting  punishment.  Before 
his  adversary  could  rise,  the  negro  had  planted  his  heavy  feet 
upon  the  white  man's  breast,  and  kicked  him  until  some  of  the 
men,  who,  having  nothing  to  do,  were  a  little  interested  in  the 
fight,  interfered,  and  parted  the  belligerents. 

u  Let's  have  a  fair  chest  fight,"  roared  one  man,  who  could 
hardly  stand,  having  been  drinking  all  day. 

"  Tell  'em  to  fight  across  a  hand'chief,"  a  second  cried  ;  u  that's 
the  way  to  settle  a  quarrel." 

In  the  mean  time  the  sailor,  who  had  been  butted  to  the  deck, 
arose,  with  face  covered  with  blood,  for  Jake  had  planted  one 
of  his  feet  upon  that  portion  of  his  body,  and  it  had  done  exe- 
cution. 

"  You  see  what  he  has  done  —  don't  you,  boys?"  asked  the 
sailor,  not  appearing  to  have  much  desire  to  renew  the  battle. 


A  SAILOR'S  QUARREL.  31 

"  If  we  is  to  be  run  over  by  niggers,  we  had  better  understand 
it  at  once." 

44  Fight  him,"  one  cried.     "  On  the  chests  in  sailor  fashion." 

But  this  did  not  seem  to  suit  the  fancy  of  Charley,  as  he  was 
called. 

"  Is  you  going  to  fight,  or  not?"  two  or  three  asked;  and  I 
mention  it  as  a  matter  of  remark,  that  the  men  who  were  playing 
cards  did  not  even  cease  their  game,  or  hardly  look  up,  fights 
being  so  common  just  before  the  sailing  of  the  whaler. 

44  I'll  fight  'em,"  cried  Jake,  his  eyes  flashing  like  fire,  and  his 
face  expressing  all  the  bad  nature  of  his  heart.  "  I'll  fight  'em 
any  how,  or  at  any  time.  Wid  de  lead,  wid  fists,  wid  knives,  or 
wid  harpoons.  Let  'em  cum  on,  and  I'll  larn  'em  manners.  He 
insult  me,  and  I  do  nuffin  to  him.  What  he  insult  me  for !  Des 
answer  me  dat.  Ef  he  tiiik  dat  he  going  to  pick  on  dat  boy,  'cos 
he  green,  he  mistaken." 

44  And  who  is  to  prevent  me?  "  asked  the  white  man. 

"  I  do  now  or  by  and  by.     All  times  I  look  arter  'im." 

"  And  I  will  lend  a  hand,  there,"  cried  a  voice,  which  I  recog- 
nized ;  and  Jack,  the  sailor  I  had  met  in  the  car,  pushed  his  way 
through  the  crowd,  and  extended  his  huge  fist  to  the  negro.  "  I 
tell  you,  darky,  that  I'll  take  a  hand  with  you  in  any  fight  when 
they  want  to  crowd  the  boy.  I  ain't  forgot  the  time  when  I  was 
a  boy,  and  was  kicked  about  the  deck- like  a  dog." 

The  white  man  and  the  negro  shook  hands  upon  the  contract, 
and  it  was  one  that  they  kept  during  the  time  that  I  was  on  board, 
and  if  it  had  not  been  for  them  I  should  have  fared  hard. 

By  this  time  the  men  had  resumed  their  regular  occupations, 
such  as  drinking  and  smoking,  and  playing  cards,  and  left  us 
three  to  talk  as  we  pleased. 

"  Let  me  see,"  said  Jack,  looking  around  the  forecastle.  "  You 
want  a  bunk.  Have  you  got  any  bedding  dunnage?" 

I  looked  at  one  and  the  other  without  speaking. 

"  He  don't  know  what  you  mean,"  Jake  said,  with  a  grin. 

"  Wai,  I  s'pose  not.  Has  you  got  any  bedding?  That's  what 
we  call  dunnage." 

No,  I  had  no  bedding.  Old  Podgers  had  wilfully  neglected 
me  in  that  respect. 

44  Let  me  see,"  Jack  muttered ;  "  there's  that  boy  Will,  he's 
got  a  bunk  all  to  himself.  It's  large  enough  for  two,  if  you  both 


32 

is  in  the  same  watch.  He's  got  dunnage,  and  will  share  it,  I  think. 
I'll  see ;  "  and  up  the  steps  he  went,  and  shouted,  "  Boy  Will," 
until  I  heard  some  one  answer,  and  then  Jack  returned  to  the 
forecastle. 

In  a  few  minutes  down  the  steps  bounded  a  lad  about  my  own 
age,  but  with  regular  sailor  rig  on,  and  a  face  that  appeared  to 
have  seen  service  in  facing  the  smoke  of  the  try-pots  and  strong 
gales  of  wind. 

"  Well,  who  wants  me  ?  "  Will  said. 

"  I  want  yer,  Will.  Here's  a  shipmate  for  yer,"  Jack  an- 
swered, nodding  at  me. 

We  looked  at  each  other  rather  slyly,  as  boys  always  do  on 
first  meeting,  and  each  declined  to  say  anything. 

"  Will,"  said  Jack,  "  you  must  give  Allspice  half  of  your  bunk 
and  dunnage.  He'll  get  some  blankets  from  the  slop  chest  afore 
long,  and  make  it  all  right  with  yer.  What  do  yer  say  ?  "  x 

44 1  agrees  to  that,"  the  lad  answered  with  much  frankness.  "  I 
was  fearful  I'd  have  to  turn  in  and  out  with  some  lubber  of  a 
man,  or  a  Portuguese.  I's  got  plenty  of  bed-clothes,  and  he  shall 
share  with  me." 

We  sat  down  upon  the  chest,  and  had  a  confidential  talk,  and 
I  learned  that  Will  had  a  mother  and  a  sister  at  New  Bedford  ; 
that  his  father  followed  the  whaling  business  until  he  was  killed 
by  the  flukes  of  a  whale,  which  came  down  upon  the  boat  and 
crew  unexpectedly  ;  and  that,  consequently,  the  widow  had  to  sup- 
port herself  and  daughter  by  doing  slop-work  for  Podgers  and 
others.  Will  had  assisted  his  mother  as  much  as  possible,  and 
his  first  voyage  had  realized  some  fifty  dollars,  which  he  had 
given  his  parent.  This  trip,  he  hoped  to  do  better,  as  he  got  a 
much  better  lay.  He  was  desirous  of  rising  in  his  profession,  and 
hoped  to  command  a  ship  before  many  years. 

"  Now,"  said  Will,  in  conclusion,  "  let's  stick  together  and  be 
friends,  and  if  the  Portuguese  picks  on  one  of  us,  we'll  resent  it 
together.  They'll  want  to  make  us  wait  on  'em,  and  do  the  dirty 
work  ;  but  I  rather  fancy  that  a  Yankee  boy  is  too  good  for  that 
—  don't  you  ?  " 

I  thought  so. 

"  Now,"  continued  Will,  "  can  you  fight?  " 

I  recollected  my  bloody  nose  when  I  had  a  battle  with  a 
school-boy,  and  said  that  I  could,  some,  but  I  was  not  confident 


THE    FIRST    SUPPER.  33 

"  Never  mind ;  you'll  have  to  pretend  that  you  can  do  some, 
and  that  goes  a  great  ways  with  the  Portuguese.  You'll  SOOD 
learn  how  to  fight,  for  we  shall  have  a  few  pitched  battles  'afore 
many  days,  and  then  every  man  will  have  to  look  after  his  own 
head." 

I  shall  never  forget  my  first  meal  on  board  of  the  Sally.  It 
was  six  o'clock,  and  the  decks  were  all  cleared  up,  and  the  Sally 
was  pronounced  ready  to  sail.  The  mate  came  forward,  and  tofii 
the  cook  to  "  give  the  people  their  supper,"  and  then  we  went  to  the 
galley,  where  the  cook,  or  "  doctor,"  as  they  called  him,  presided 
in  greasy  dignity,  and  received  one  quart  of  hot  mixture ;  and 
then  two  tubs,  which  they  called  "  kids,"  were  thrust  out,  and  I 
saw  that  they  contained  pieces  of  beef  which  had  been  boiled,  and 
were  cold.  These  were  carried  to  the  forecastle  by  a  Portuguese, 
who  was  half  drunk. 

The  men  were  not  hungry,  and  some  of  them  did  not  even 
leave  off  playing  cards,  for  the  purpose  of  tasting  the  tea  or  the 
salt  beef. 

I  must  confess  that  I  felt  hungry  ;  and  while  I  stood  looking  at 
the  beef  and  bread  which  the  Portuguese  were  hacking  at  like 
wolves,  Will  joined  me,  and  I  hinted  to  him  that  I  felt  as  though 
I  could  eat  a  little  something  on  deck. 

"  Pitch  in,  then,"  cried  my  juvenile  friend.  "  Out  with  your 
sheath-knife,  and  hack  away  at  the  best  that  you  can  get,  and 
then  we  will  go  on  deck  and  eat  in  peace,  and  afterwards  have  a 
comfortable  smoke." 

Under  this  advice  I  timidly  approached  one  of  the  kids,  and 
stuck  my  new  fork  into  a  piece  of  beef,  when  the  kid  was  kicked 
beyond  my  reach,  and  a  Portuguese,  who  did  it,  scowled  at  me  as 
he  said,  — 

"  You  s'pose  you  eat  all  fore  sailors  do.  You  waite,  sar,  till 
men  help  demselves ;  den  you  cut,  ef  you  want  to." 

I  said  nothing,  but  Will  whispered  to  me  to  "  pitch  into  him ; " 
but  the  fellow  was  twice  as  large  as  myself,  and  I  feared  that 
would  not  do. 

At  length  I  got  what  I  wanted,  and  my  chum  and  myself  went 
on  deck,  where  we  could  eat  without  molestation,  and  without  the 
perfume  which  pervaded  the  forecastle.  I  tried  to  drink  my  first 
pot  of  tea,  and  nibbled  at  bread  which  had  made  one  voyage 
around  the  Horn.  But  the  beef  was  not  so  bad,  and  I  managed 
3 


34  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

to  consume  enough  to  satisfy  ray  appetite,  and  then  turned  to  Will, 
who  was  eating  like  a  sailor. 

"  I  tell  you  what  it  is,"  said  Will,  pouring  some  hot  tea  into 
his  pan,  and  washing  the  utensil  with  that  compound  ;  "  you  should 
have  hit  that  Portuguese  thief  when  he  kicked  the  kid  away  from 
you.  You  must  recollect  that  we  is  Americans,  and  that  these 
Portuguese  rascals  ain't  even  Christians ;  therefore  we  mustn't  let 
'em  hustle  us  around  like  anything." 

We  sat  on  deck  and  talked  until  a  late  hour,  and  Will  told  me 
his  whole  history,  and  wanted  to  know  mine  ;  but  I  was  shy  of 
confiding  it  to  him,  and  after  he  had  questioned  me  and  obtained 
no  results,  he  gave  it  up  in  despair,  and  spun  me  a  few  whaling 
yarns,  to  show  that  he  was  familiar  with  the  art  of  taking  the 
monsters'. 

By  ten  o'clock  we  began  to  grow  sleepy,  and  I  proposed  that 
we  should  retire  to  our  berth  ;  but  the  noise  and  confusion  in  the 
forecastle  were  so  great,  that  we  found  it  would  be  useless  to 
attempt  to  sleep  there.  Jake  had  received  his  violin  from  the 
shore,  and  was  tuning  it  and  playing  lively  break-downs.  Liquor 
was  still  passed  around.  Men  who  could  hardly  speak  half  a  dozen 
words  intelligibly,  on  account  of  a  certain  thickness  of  tongue, 
were  roaring  out  songs.  The  Portuguese,  of  whom  there  were 
some  six  on  board,  were  collected  in  one  corner,  and  gambling 
for  tobacco  most  industriously,  and  sometimes  even  putting  up  a 
shirt  or  two,  to  make  the  game  more  interesting. 

Sleep,  in  such  a  den,  was  out  of  the  question  ;  so  we  took  the 
blankets  from  the  berth,  and  went  on  deck,  and  found  quarters  on 
the  try-works,  where  some  sails  were  stowed. 

I  don't  know  what  time  it  was  when  I  awoke,  but  I  started  up 
on  hearing  a  most  frightful  noise,  and  loud  oaths  and  exclama- 
tions, which  came  from  the  forecastle.  I  touched  Will,  and  we 
listened  for  a  moment,  and  heard  cries  of  murder,  and  cries  of 
defiance,  and  cries  of  triumph,  and  blows,  and  kicks,  and  the  over- 
turning of  chests  and  pans.  I  ran  aft  to  awaken  the  mate, 
whom  I  found  lying  on  the  transom  of  the  cabin,  and  sleeping  as 
quietly  as  though  upon  shore. 

"Mr.  Spadem,"  I  said,  touching  him  on  hia  arm,  "the  crew 
are  having  a  terrible  fight  in  the  forecastle." 

He  started  up  and  stared  at  me  for  a  moment  without  speaking, 
and  I  repeated  my  information. 


A   MAN    OVERBOARD.  35 

"  Well,  let  'em  fight  and  be  hanged,"  he  said.  "  After  they 
have  killed  each  other,  let  me  know  ; "  and  down  went  his  head 
again,  and  he  was  asleep  in  an  instant. 

I  ran  forward  and  joined  "Will,  who  was  standing  by  the  scuttle 
of  the  forecastle,  listening  to  the  row. 

"  The  mate  won't  come  forward,"  I  said. 

44  Then  they  must  fight  it  out,  and  a  pretty  time  they  will  have." 

We  did  not  dare  descend  into  the  forecastle,  so  stood  there  and 
listened  until  we  heard  some  one  coming  up  the  steps  as  though  in 
a  great  hurry,  and  then  we  stepped  back  and  concealed  ourselves 
behind  the  foremast,  and  saw  one  of  the  Portuguese  plunge  upon 
the  deck,  and  then  gather  himself,  run  to  the  rail,  and  jump  over- 
board :  and  as  he  did  so  three  or  four  of  the  crew  also  reached 
the  deck,  and  looked  around  for  the  man  who  was  in  the  water. 

4fc  Where  is  he  ?  "  they  asked,  getting  sight  of  us. 

44  Overboard,"  answered  Will. 

Their  clothes  were  almost  torn  from  their  backs  and  bodies, 
their  faces  were  cut,  and  blood  was  streaming  down  upon  their 
breasts,  and  from  their  hands,  and  dripping  upon  the  deck.  All 
this  we  were  enabled  to  see  by  the  light  of  the  inoon. 

44 Is  he  overboard?"  they  asked ;  and  with  one  accord  they 
rushed  to  the  rail,  and  saw  the  Portuguese  in  the  water,  swim- 
ming for  the  shore. 

44  Kill  him  ! "  they  shouted  ;  and  seizing  firewood  and  handspikes, 
they  hurled  them  at  the  man  in  the  water  ;  but  they  fell  short. 

*4  Lower  a  boat  and  after  him,"  was  the  next  cry,  and  the  three 
men  rushed  aft  to  one  of  the  boats,  which  had  been  hoisted  up  at 
sundown,  and  had  commenced  lowering  it,  when  the  mate  came 
on  deck  with  a  heaver  in  his  hand,  which  he  began  beating  the 
men  with. 

The  battle  was  an  exciting  one  ;  but  the  mate  had  the  advan- 
tage. The  second  and  third  mates  were  awakened  by  the  row, 
and  rushed  upon  the  deck  sans  trousers,  sans  everything  but 
flannel  shirts. 

This  re-enforcement  was  too  much  for  the  sailors,  and  they 
were  compelled  to  retreat  forward  with  broken  heads. 

44  If  you  please,  sir,"  said  Will,  running  up  to  the  mate,  who 
was  expressing  himself  in  most  awful  terms,  44  the  Portuguese 
will  get  clear." 

An  explanation  was  demanded  and  given. 


36  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Why,  blast  'em,"  cried  Mr.  Spadem,  "  I  thought  they 
wanted  to  run  for  it,  and  that's  the  reason  I  knocked  'em  so. 
Here,  you  Will  and  "the  other  boy,  —  what's  his  name  ?  Pepper, — • 
go  down  the  falls  and  unhook  the  tackles,  and  haul  the  boat  to 
the  gangway.  Be  lively,  or  the  cuss  will  reach  the  shore." 

Will  ran  to  obey,  and  I  followed  him,  and  did  as  he  did.  We 
landed  in  the  boat,  and  had  her  alongside  in  no  time,  although  I 
must  confess  that  Will  did  all  the  work. 

The  mate  tumbled  into  the  boat,  and  we  shoved  off.  They  got 
out  their  oars,  while  I  looked  on. 

"  Where's  your  oar.,  you  Pepper?"  roared  the  mate,  who  had 
hold  of  the  steering  oar. 

"  I  don't  know,"  I  replied. 

"Out  with  one,  and  pull,  ^ou  son  of  a  gun,"  roared  Mr.1 
Spadem. 

"  I  don't  know  how,"  I  replied. 

"  Then  larn,  and  be  hanged  to  you.  Out  with  one,  or  I'll  hash 
you  into  mince  meat  in  no  time." 

To  prevent  my  meeting  such  a  dreadful  fate,  I  managed  to  get 
out  an  oar  and  slip  it  in  the  rowlock ;  but  the  very  first  stroke  I 
took  I  missed  the  water,  and  up  went  my  feet  and  down  went  my 
head,  while  iny  oar  struck  the  back  of  the  second  mate,  who  was 
aft  of  me. 

"  You  Pepper,  you,"  roared  the  mate. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  I  answered,  rubbing  my  head. 

"  I'll  be  the  death  of  you  before  you  have  been  on  blue  water 
ten  hours.  You  see  if  I  don't." 

"  If  you  don't  kill  me,  the  water  will,"  I  answered. 

"  Silence,  you  rascal !  How  dare  you  answer  me  back?  But 
I'll  larn  you  —  you  see  if  I  don't." 

I  dipped  my  oar  into  the  water  this  time  ;  but  unfortunately,  I 
went  too  deep,  and  cramped  it,  and  caused  the  boat  to  keel  over 
about  two  or  three  streaks,  and  nearly  tumbled  the  mates  and 
Will  from  their  thwarts.  The  last  disaster  was  more  than  the 
mate  could  stand,  and  he  blasphemed  so  loud,  and  called  me 
such  hard  names,  that  I  really  began  to  think  the  Christian-like 
officer  whom  Podgers  described  to  me  had  turned  into  a 
devil. 

"  I  couldn't  help  it,"  I  said,  as  soon  as  I  could  find  my  breath, 
and  put  in  a  word  edgeways. 


CATCHING   A   DESERTER.  37 

"  Yes,  you  could  help  it,  too,"  roared  the  mate.  "  But  wait 
until  I  get  on  board,  and  see  if  I  don't  sarve  you  out." 

"  Perhaps  he  had  better  ship  his  oar,"  suggested  the  second 
mate,  a  Mr.  Lance,  and  a  very  fine  fellow,  as  I  afterwards  found. 

"  In  with  it  then.  Be  lively.  Give  way,  the  rest  of  you. 
And  you,  Pepper,  take  the  boat-hook  and  stand  by  to  catch  that 
Portuguese  as  we  get  on  to  him." 

The  second  mate  pushed  the  boat-hook  along  with  one  hand, 
so  that  I  had  no  doubt  that  what  he  had  hold  of  was  a  boat-hook  ; 
and  armed  with  this  weapon  I  stood  up  in  the  bows  of  the  boat. 

"  There  he  is,  just  ahead  of  us,"  cried  the  mate.  "  Give  way, 
boys,  and  he  is  ours.  One  stroke  more  and  we  shall  be  up  to 
him.  Now,  then,  start  her  with  a  will.  Don't  you  miss  him, 
you,  Pepper." 

.  As  he  spoke  we  were  close  upon  the  sailor,  who  ducked  his 
head  down,  intending  to  dive  ;  but  I  caught  the  seat  of  his  trou- 
sers with  the  boat-hook,  and  perhaps  a  little  flesh  with  it,  and 
then  recollecting  what  I  had  read  about  whaling,  I  shouted  with 
the  whole  strength  of  my  lungs, — 

"  Stern,  all  —  stern,  all !  for  I've  got  him." 

From  long  habit  the  rowers  instantly  "  backed  water,"  and 
stopped  the  boat  from  progressing. 

By  this  time  the  mate  had  dropped  his  steering  oar,  and  come 
forward  and  taken  the  boat-hook. 

4 '  O,  I  no  do  so  more,"  the  sailor  cried. 

"  No,  I  don't  intend  that  you  shall.  You  are  not  going  to  ride 
over  me,  and  I  shall  let  you  know  it ; "  and  down  went  the  poor 
fellow,  and  after  being  held  under  water  a  few  seconds,  he  was 
drawn  up  and  told  that  he  might  get  into  the  boat. 

The  Portuguese  had  not  strength  enough  to  do  that  alone ;  so 
assistance  was  extended,  and  he  was  parbuckled  over  the  side  and 
landed  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat^  and  then  we  pulled  for  the  ship, 
where  I  expected  to  "  catch  it ;  "  but  I  suppose  that  the  mate  had 
found  a  valve  for  the  escape  of  his  bile,  and  was  satisfied. 

When  Will  and  myself  went  forward,  the  fight  was  over. 
Each  man  was  relating  his  grievance,  and  shedding  tears, —  a  state 
of  drunkenness  that  is  quite  .common  with  some  sailors, —  and  the 
three  men  who  chased  the  Portuguese  on  deck  were  having  their 
injuries  dressed  or  washed  by  those  who  were  sober  enough  to 
do  such  work. 


38  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

It  was  quite  evident  to  Will  and  I  that  the  forecastle  was  no 
place  for  us  ;  so  we  returned  to  our  blankets  on  the  try-pots,  and 
just  as  we  had  covered  ourselves  up,  the  mate  came  forward  and 
looked  down  the  forecastle. 

"If  I  hear  any  more  noise  down  there,"  he  said,  "I'll  come 
down  with  a  lever.  Do  you  understand  that  ?  " 

"  If  you  come  down  here  you  will  never  go  up  alive,"  I  heard 
some  one  say. 

"  What  is  that,  you  mutinous  rascal?  "  yelled  the  mate. 

He  looked  down  the  forecastle  with  a  wishful  glance,  as  though 
he  would  have  admired  to  know  who  was  talking  to  him ;  but  as 
he  could  not  find  out,  and  an  inquiry  was  answered  with  slang,  he 
turned  away,  muttering  most  terrible  threats  of  "  using  up  their 
old  iron  for  'ein  ;"  but  the  meaning  of  that  term  I  did  not  know  at 
the  time. 

I  did  not  awaken  till  all  hands  were  called  in  the  morning. 
The  men  were  ratffer  slow  to  "  turn  out."  But  when  they  did 
muster  on  deck,  such  a  looking  set  of  battered  faces  I  never 
saw. 

There  did  not  seem  as  though  in  the  whole  crew  there  was  life 
enough  to  move  ;  yet  the  men,  after  a  drink  all  round,  which  was 
supplied  to  them  by  one  of  their  number,  who  had  saved  a  bottle 
on  purpose  to  ease  off  with,  improved  wonderfully,  and  even  be- 
gan to  joke  each  other  on  the  bad  appearance  which  they  pre- 
sented. 

"Give  the  people  their  breakfast,"  said  the  mate,  coming  for- 
ward and  speaking  to  the  cook.  "  As  soon  as  they  have  finished  it 
vfe  get  under  way." 

No  sooner  was  breakfast  over  than  a  boat  came  alongside  from 
the  shore,  and  on  deck  sprang  the  redoubtable  Captain  Bunker, 
who  looked  as  though  he  desired  to  take  vengeance  on  some  one 
for  rousing  him  up  so  early  in  the  morning. 

"  Loose  the  sails,  and  man  the  windlass,"  Bunker  growled  to 
the  mate,  as  he  passed  over  the  gangway  and  disappeared  in  the 
cabin. 


MY   FIRST   DAY   AT    SEA.  39 


CHAPTER  III. 

MY  FIRST   DAY  AT  SEA. 

IT  is  not  a  very  pleasant  thing  to  go  to  sea  at  any  time,  unless 
homeward  bound  ;  but  to  up  anchor  and  stand  out  to  sea  with  a 
crew  half  drunk  and  the  other  half  suffering  under  mild  attacks  of 
delirium  tremens,  is  not  enviable,  but  the  officers  of  the  Sally 
seemed  to  mind  it  but  little.  The  anchor  came  up  rather  slowly, 
for  the  strength  of  the  men  was  not  applied  to  their  task.  The 
mate  stood  upon  the  top-gallant  forecastle,  chewed  tobacco,  and 
shook  his  fist  at  us,  and  tried  to  infuse  some  life  into  us ;  but  the 
men  were  dead  to  all  attempts  to  force  them  to  work  harder,  even 
if  they  had  been  able. 

"  Why  don't  that  chain  come  in  faster  ?  "  roared  the  skipper 
from  the  quarter-deck,  where  he  was  walking  in  all  the  majesty 
of  command ;  and  then,  without  waiting  for  an  answer,  his  prom- 
enade was  resumed. 

"  Do  you  hear?"  the  mate  cried.  "  The  cap'n  is  arter  you, 
and  if  he  cums  for'ard  there  won't  be  nothing  left  of  you.  He 
won't  be  trifled  with,  I  can  tell  you.  Now  heave  with  a  will,  and 
up  she  comes." 

But  this  speech  did  not  seem  to  inspire  the  men  with  that  en- 
ergy which  was  desirable,  for  they  sullenly  confined  themselves  to 
their  work,  and  exhibited  no  enthusiasm.  My  labor  on  that  im- 
portant occasion  was  hauling  the  chain  out  of  the  way,  and  ar- 
ranging it  in  layers  along  the  deck  ;  and  as  it  was  the  first  hard 
work  that  I  had  ever  done,  it  told  upon  me. 

"  We  are  short,  sir,"  shouted  the  mate  to  the  red-headed 
skipper. 

u  Short  of  what?"  I  wondered. 

"Sheet  home  the  topsails,  then,"  the  skipper  said. 

That  I  found  was  much  easier  work,  although  it  made  me  very 
short  of  breath,  and  hurt  my  hands  awfully  pulling  at  the  ropes. 

At  length  our  sails  were  hoisted,  and  we  once  more  manned  the 
windlass,  and  up  came  the  anchor  from  its  muddy  bottom,  but  in 


40  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

such  a  reluctant  manner  that  the  Sally  did  not  know  that  -she  was 
free  from  the  ground  for  some  time,  and  then  she  commenced 
moving,  stern  foremost,  towards  the  shore.  The  captain  raved 
about  the  quarter-deck  fearfully  when  he  found  that  the  Sally 
would  do  nothing  but  drift  towards  the  shore,  and  he*  had  just  or- 
dered the  lowering  of  a  boat  for  the  purpose  of  towing  her  head 
round,  when  she  gradually  wore  round  and  pointed  her  blunt  nose 
out  of  the  harbor ;  but  even  the  Sally  was  doubtful  about  moving 
ahead,  and  for  a  short  time  remained  stationary. 

"  Is  jthat  anchor  on  the  bottom  ? "  yelled  the  captain  to  the 
mate. 

"  No,  sir,  it  is  in  sight,"  was  the  answer ;  but  the  question  af- 
forded amusement  for  the  crew  for  many  days,  when  we  were  in 
company  with  other  ships,  and  they  would  leave  us  far  astern. 

A  gentle  breeze  from  the  shore  filled  our  sails,  and  at  length 
the  Sally  drew  ahead,  to  the  great  relief  of  the  officers  and  the 
chagrin  of  the  men.  As  the  Sally  began  to  show  her  heels,  more 
sail  was  made,  and  by  ten  o'clock  we  were  out  at  sea,  and  had  lost 
sight  of  the  city  of  oil  and  oily  men.  Then  I  began  to  experi- 
ence all  the  horrors  of  seasickness  ;  my  legs  failed  me,  and  I  was 
compelled  to  sit  down  upon  a  spar. 

"  Hullo  !  what  are  you  doing  there?"  roared  the  mate. 

"  I'm  sick,"  I  answered ;  and  I  gave  signs  that  ray  words  were 
true,  but  I  did  not  get  any  sympathy  from  Mr.  Spadem. 

u  Up  with  you,"  he  said  ;  "  you  didn't  come  aboard  the  Sally 
to  eat  idle  bread,  I  can  tell  you.  Up  with  you,  and  rush  about. 
That's  what  will  do  you  good." 

I  staggered  to  my  feet,  and  managed  to  crawl  about  the  deck ; 
but  it  was  the  worst  punishment  that  I  ever  received  in  my  life. 
Every  few  moments  I  was  compelled  to  seek  the  side  of  the  ship, 
and  give  vent  to  my  feelings  and  relief  to  my  stomach.  But 
amidst  all  my  troubles  Will  and  Jack  were  good  friends,  and  as 
often  as  they  could  neglect  their  duty  they  would  come  near  me 
and  exchange  a  few  friendly  words,  and  tell  me  that  I  should  soon 
feel  better  and  get  my  "  sea  legs  "  on. 

"  Cheer  up,  old  boy,"  said  Jack  ;  "  you  will  soon  be  over  this, 
and  then  you  will  eat  more  than  any  man  aboard  the  ship.  Stick 
to  the  deck  as  long  as  you  can,  for  if  you  go  below  you'll  be 
sicker." 

Such  words  of  kindness  gave  me  some  life,  and  I  made  a  brave 


PICKING   UP   A   LITTLE.  41 

effort  to  move  about,  but  I  could  hardly  walk.  Still  I  stuck  to 
the  deck,  and  just  before  supper  time  I  staggered  aft  with  the  rest 
of  the  men  to  be  chosen  into  watches  for  the  voyage.  Much  to 
my  disgust,  I  found  that  I  was  picked  for  the  larboard  or  mate's 
watch,  while  Will  was  in  the  second  mate's  or  starboard  watch. 
Then  they  commenced  choosing  boat's  crews,  and  I  found  that  I 
was  drafted  into  the  captain's  boat,  and  allotted  to  the  after  oar. 

After  the  business  for  which  we  were  called  aft  was  transacted, 
we  were  told  to  go  forward ;  and  we  went,  the  men  whispering 
their  comments  as  they  moved  along.  Jack  and  Jake  laid  me 
down  upon  some  rigging  upon  the  try-works,  and  told  me  to  keep 
still ;  and  there  was  need  of  it,  for  I  was  very  weak,  and  trembled 
violently  from  the  effect  of  my  vomiting.  At  sundown  Will  came 
and  sat  by  my  side. 

"  Look  up,  Charley,"  he  said,  "  and  take  a  farewell  view  of  the 
land,  for  it's  the  last  we  shall  see  of  our  country  for  many  days." 

I  raised  my  head,  and  saw  a  long,  blue  line  upon  the  horizon, 
and  that,  he  told  me,  was  the  last  I  should  see  of  the  United  States 
until  we  returned  home  filled  with  oil,  and  with  more  money  at 
our  command  than  a  cow  could  eat.  I  stuck  to  the  try-works 
until  daylight,  when  I  was  aroused  by  Jack. 

When  eight  bells  struck,  and  the  starboard  watch  came  on  deck, 
I  felt  as  though  I  could  eat  a  little  breakfast ;  and  my  anticipa- 
tions were  realized,  for  I  commenced  on  salt  junk,  and  found  that 
it  was  not  so  bad  on  an  empty  stomach  ;  and  from  that  morning  I 
seldom  missed  a  meal  while  I  was  on  board  the  Sally. 

A  week  passed  on  ;  we  were  steering  an  east  course,  and  mak- 
ing slow  progress.  Men  were  stationed  aloft  to  look  after  whales, 
for  sperm  whales  were  sometimes  met  with  between  the  United 
States  and  the  Western  Islands. 

At  daylight  every  morning  a  boat-steerer  went  aloft  and  perched 
himself  on  the  main-top-gallant  cross-trees,  where  he  could  com- 
mand a  full  view  of  the  horizon,  and  at  the  same  time  a  man 
from  the  forecastle  went  aloft  and  perched  himself  on  the  fore- 
top-gallant  cross-trees,  and  each  man  was  compelled  to  remain  on 
duty  aloft  two  hours,  before  he  was  relieved. 

I  remember  one  afternoon,  while  I  was  aloft  on  the  lookout,  I 
saw,  just  ahead  of  the  ship,  an  immense  commotion  in  the  water, 
and  something  that  looked  dark  and  skinny,  which  whalemen  call 
"  black  skin." 


42 

"  There  are  whales  ahead,"  I  shouted  to  those  on  deck. 

"  What  does  it  look  like  ?  "  yelled  the  mate. 

u  I  don-'t  know,"  I  replied.  "  They  keep  jumping  out  of  the 
water." 

"  It's  a  school  of  black-fish,"  cried  the  boat-steerer,  who  had 
DOW  got  his  eyes  open. 

For  fear  that  some  should  suppose  that  I  mean  a  very  delicious 
fish  caught  in  the  waters  of  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut,  and 
weighing  from  one  to  ten  pounds,  I  will  state  that  the  black-fish 
which  I  allude  to  is  from  six  to  twenty  feet  long,  and  weighs 
from  seven  hundred  pounds  to  a  ton,  and  that  the  cafcass  is  cov- 
ered with  a  thin  coating  of  blubber,  about  an  inch  and  a  half 
thick,  and  that  a  moderate-sized  fish  will  yield  a  barrel  of  oil  if 
the  blubber  is  not  too  dry.  The  oil  is  not  equal  to  sperm,  but 
is  superior  to  right  whale  oil,  and  brings  a  higher. price. 

As  soon  as  the  announcement  was  made  that  the  school  ahead 
was  black-fish,  the  deck  became  alive  with  preparations.  The 
tubs  containing  the  lines  were  lifted  into  the  boats,  the  harppons 
were  got  ready,  and  every  boat-steerer  was  alive  and  on  the  alert 
for  real  business.  The  ship  lazily  rolled  towards  the  school,  which 
was  some  two  miles  distant ;  but  as  we  did  not  move  fast  enough, 
we  were  ordered  from  aloft  to  take  our  stations  in  the  boats. 

"Lower  away  the  boats,"  shouted  the  captain  ;  and  down  they 
went  into  the  water  with  a  rush,  and  we  tumbled  into  them. 

"  Give  way,  men,"  cried  Captain  Bunker  ;  "  don't  let  the  other 
boats  get  the  start  of  us." 

We  dropped  our  oars  into  the  water,  and  shot  away  from  the 
ship  like  a  bird  ;  for  we  had  practised  rowing  several  times. 

"  Don't  lift  your  oar  so  high,  and  keep  it  in  the  water  longer," 
said  Captain  Bunker  to  me.  "  There,  just  touch  the  water,  then 
bend  your  back  so  that  the  whole  strain  won't  come  on  your 
arms.  That's  better  ;  now  give  way,  and  be  hanged  to  you  ;  for 
if  the  mate's  boat  passes  mine,  I'll  keep  you  all  on  bread  and 
water  for  a  week." 

We  did  our  best,  and  I  tugged  at  my  oar  until  my  arms  seemed 
as  though  they  would  drop  from  their  sockets ;  yet,  owing  to  the 
strong  manner  in  which  those  in  the  boat  with  me  bent  to  their 
work,  the  skipper's  boat  kept  ahead,  and  we  were  enabled  to 
please  him,  although,  for  all  that,  he  cursed  us  for  a  lazy  pack  of 
dogs  as  ever  lived,  and  swore  that  we  did  not  earn  our  salt,  and 


•    HARPOONING   A  BLACK-FISH.  43 

that  we  were  a  set  of  old  women  dressed  in  men's  clothes  ;  and 
while  he  was  swearing  the  hardest,  we  came  up  to  the  school  of 
black-fish,  which  were  sporting  entirely  unconscious  of  danger, 
aad  I  could  hear-  them  blow  as  the  captain  told  the  boat-steerer 
to  "  stand  up." 

"  Don't  you  miss,"  said  this  Christian  Captain.  "  Pick  out  the 
biggest  one ;  and  don't  you  tye  too  long  in  picking  one  out.  Ef 
you  do  I'll  come  for'ard,  I  will,  and  my  name  is  Bunker.  Now 
then,  one  more  pull.  That'll  do." 

There  was  a  moment  of  breathless  suspense  on  my  part,  and 
then  the  captain  shouted,  — 

"  Give  it  to  'em.  Stern,  all — stern,  all !  The  rascal  will  be  in 
the  boat  if  you  don't  bear  a  hand." 

I  ventured  to  look  over  my  shoulder,  and  as  I  did  so  a  shower  of 
water  was  poured  upon  us,  and  close  under  our  bow  was  the  black- 
fish  rolling  over  and  over. 

"  Stern,  all,  and  be  hanged  to  you  ! "  roared  the  skipper.  "  You 
want  him  to  stave  my  boat  —  don't  you?" 

We  backed  off  the  ferocious  little  fellow.  By  this  time  all  the 
boats  were  fast,  and  were  running  in  various  directions,  and  just 
as  the  captain  got  out  his  lance,  the  fish  that  we  were  fast  to 
started  for  the  school,  and  towed  us  along  at  a  merry  rate.  Sud- 
denly he  stopped,  and  came  towards  us  ;  and  as  he  did  so  the  skip- 
per threw  his  lance  ;  it  struck  the  fish  just  back  of  a  fin,  and  went 
almost  through  him.  Our  prize  rolled  over  once  or  twice,  and 
then  blew  up  a  pale  substance  mixed  with  water,  which  they 
said  was  spouting  blood,  and  then  the  fish  rolled  over  on  his  back, 
belly  up,  and  was  dead. 

"  Haul  up  so  that  I  can  cut  close  to  the  iron,"  the  skipper  said. 
"I'm  bound  to  have  another  one." 

%We  hauled  up,  and  the  line  was  cut  close  to  the  harpoon  in  the 
carcass,  bent  on  to  another  iron,  a  flag  was  stuck  in  the  body 
of  the  dead  fish,  so  that  we  could  find  it  at  some  other  time,  and 
then  we  went  in  pursuit  of  the  school  which  had  begun  to  grow 
alarmed  and  was  making  off.  We  bent  to  our  oars,  and  passed 
the  mate,  who  was  just  giving  his  fish  a  finishing  stroke,  and 
were,  by  hard  rowing,  enabled  to  overtake  the  school,  and  fasten 
to  a  second  one,  which  yielded  to  its  fate  without  a  struggle  —  a 
circumstance  which  so  pleased  the  captain,  because  he  struck  it, 
that  he  even  smiled,  and  condescended  to  joke  a  little. 


44  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES.* 

He  even  had  a  tilt  at  me  ;  but  I  was  not  to  be  led  on  to  my  own 
destruction,  for  Jack  gave  me  a  warning  look. 

"  Well,  Pepper,"  the  skipper  said,  "you  now  know  how  to  kill 
black-fish.  Do  you  think  that  you  could  eat  one?" 

"  Not  a  whole  one,  sir,"  I  answered,  with  a  slight  grin,  for  all 
in  the  boat  were  bound  to  laugh  at  what  the  skipper  said. 

"  Well,  ain't  this  better  work  than  laming  at  school  and  saying 
lessons?" 

"  It  is  more  exciting,  sir,"  I  replied. 

"  I'll  show  you  excitement  if  I  get  arter  a  seventy  barrel 
whale.  Here,  pass  the  line  aft,  and  let's  tow  the  fish  alongside, 
for  I  see  that  the  shurks  is  gathering  for  a  bite." 

I  looked  over  the  side  of  the  boat,  and  to  my  extreme  surprise 
saw  half  a  dozen  six  foot  sharks  had  already  mustered  around 
the  fish.  Of  us  they  seemed  to  have  the  most  supreme  contempt, 
and  would  frequently  roll  on  their  sides,  and  look  at  us  with  their 
dull,  staring  eyes. 

At  length  one  more  bold  or  hungry  than  the  rest  attempted  a 
mouthful,  but  succeeded  in  only  tearing  the  black  skin  ;  but  the  sig- 
nal seemed  to  have  been  given  for  all  the  others  to  commence,  and 
they  did  pile  upon  the  fish  and  snap  at  its  fins  and  tail  and  other 
portions  of  its  body  with  refreshing  eagerness. 

While  this  continued  I  saw  that  the  'monsters  suddenly  with- 
drew from  the  fish,  and  swam  off  a  distance  of  some  two  fathoms, 
and  there  waited  for  whatever  was  to  occur ;  and  suddenly,  as 
though  issuing  from  the  bowels  of  the  sea,  came  in  sight  a  mon- 
ster shark,  at  least  two  fathoms  long,  and  with  a  set  of  teeth 
that  would  have  delighted  a  dentist  desirous  of  commencing  busi- 
ness. 

"  Ah,"  said  the  skipper,  rubbing  his  coarse  hands  with  delight, 
as  though  he  had  met  with  a  congenial  companion,  u  here  comes 
the  president  of  sharks,  and  he'll  lick  the  little  cusses  all  to  thun- 
der if  they  don't  mind  their  eyes." 

The  monster  shark  was  very  composed  in  the  presence  of  his 
followers,  for  he  moved  with  a  deliberation  that  was  very  striking, 
and  the  only  token  he  gave  that  he  appreciated  the  situation 
in  which  he  found  himself  placed,  was  by  a  slight  wag  of  his  tail, 
and  an  opening  and  shutting  of  a  ponderous  pair  of  jaws,  as 
though  ascertaining  if  they  were  in  good  working  order.  At  length 
the  monster  sailed  up  to  the  fish,  and  laid  its  head  upon  one  of  the 


A   MONSTER   SHARK.  45 

fins,  and  seemed  to  smell  it,  and  then  he  slowly  opened  his  mouth, 
and  set  his  teeth  upon  the  fin,  and  gave  it  a  jerk  ;  but  it  did  not 
yield  readily,  although  the  shark  backed  some  half  a  dozen  fath- 
oms, and  towed  the  dead  black-fish  as  it  did  so.  But  the  fin 
contained  too  many  bones  to  be  severed  readily,  and  the  shark 
dropped  that  part  and  attempted  the  head  ;  and  while  he  was  doing 
all  that  he  could  with  that  portion  of  the  carcass,  he  was  directly 
under  us,  and  I  could  have  touched  his  back  with  my  hands. 

I  had  been  so  much  absorbed  in  watching  the  movements  of 
the  king  of  sharks  that  I  had  forgotten  all  about  the  ship  and  the 
other  boats,  and  now  I  took  time  to  glance  around  the  horizon  and 
see  what  had  become  of  them.  The  old  Sally  was  about  half  a 
mile  from  us,  becalmed,  and  the  other  boats,  each  with  a  black- 
fish  in  tow,  were  close  to  her,  and  would  soon  have  their  prizes  on 
board. 

Once  more  I  leaned  over  the  side  of  the  boat  and  exam- 
ined matters  below  me.  The  shark  had  abandoned  the  head, 
and  had  swam  to  the  tail,  as  though  that  part  of  the  carcass  offered 
an  advantageous  opening. 

"  What  a  rambacious  old  cuss  it  is  ! "  said  the  captain,  speaking 
for  the  first  time  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  "  I'm  a  good  mind 
to  send  a  lance  through  him,  and  see  how  he'll  relish  it." 

"  Better  do  it,  sir,"  said  Jack.  "  There's  no  knowing  how 
many  sailors  he  has  eaten  in  his  time." 

The  skipper  got  his  lance  ready,  and  then  altered  his  mind. 

"  I  won't  spile  the  edge  of  the  lance  with  sich  a  critter,"  he 
said.  "  He's  all  bone  and  gristle.  I'll  cut  off  his  flukes  with  the 
spade  and  see  how  he'll  look  cruising  round  without  a  staru-piece." 

While  the  skipper  was  taking  off  the  sheath  which  covered  the 
sharp  spade,  the  third  mate's  boat  was  seen  coming  towards  us. 

"  Don't  come  here,  'coz  I  don't  want  yer,"  shouted  Captaiu 
Buckef. 

"  We  thought  you  were  stove,  sir,"  cried  the  third  mate. 

"  Wai,  I  ain't  stove,  and  when  I  is,  I'll  ask  you  to  come  for  me. 
Jest  tow  that  other  black-fish  aboard,  and  I'll  look  arter  this  one." 

The  third  mate-did  not  stop  to  hear  more.  He  turned  the  head 
of  his  boat  and  went  off  after  the  fish  which  we  had  first  killed, 
and  which  could  easily  be  found  on  account  of  the  small  red  flag 
We  had  stuck  in  the  carcass. 

"  Now,  Bushy,  give  a  slew  that  way,"  said  the  skipper  to  the 


46          A  WHAIEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

boat-steerer,  who  was  called  Bushy  for  no  other  reason  that  I  could 
discover  than  because  he  seldom  combed  his  hair. 

Bushy,  with  two  or  three  careful  sweeps  of  the  steering  oar,  did 
as  he  was  directed,  and  that  brought  the  bow  of  the  boat  directly 
over  the  tail  of  the  shark. 

Captain  Bunker  took  good  aim  and  let  fly  with  the  spade,  and  I 
expected  to  see  the  shark  leave  us  in  a  hurry ;  but  it  did  no  such 
thing.  It  gently  wagged  its  tail,  as  though  something  had  stutg 
it,  and  continued  to  attempt  to  take  a  mouthful  of  the  carcass, 
although  a  large  gash,  a  white  one,  was  visible  where  the  spade 
had  cut  the  sinews. 

"  Blast  'em,  I'll  give 'em  another  one,"  said  Captain  Bunker  ; 
and  he  did,  but  with  the  same  result. 

"  He's  like  a  rich  man  ;  he's  got  no  feelings,"  Jack  muttered. 

"  Then  I'll  make  him  have  some,"  the  indignant  skipper  cried ; 
and  he  continued  spading  the  shark  until  by  continuous  lucky  hits, 
the  tail  was  suddenly  lopped  off,  and  then  the  monster  began  to  re- 
alize the  want  of  such  an  appendage,  and  leaving  the  carcass  the 
shark  turned  round  and  round,  and  seemed  unable  to  comprehend 
its  misfortune.  If  it  attempted  to  go  in  one  direction,  owing  to 
the  want  of  a  rudder r  it  would  vary  some  three  or  four  points  in  a 
few  fathoms  distance ;  and  an  effort  to  reach  the  carcass  of  the 
fish  was  a  lamentable  failure,  for  instead  of  getting  there,  the 
shark  brought  up  among  its  jealous  companions,  which  had  been 
regarding  its  eccentric  movements  with  some  interest,  and  now- 
made  a  show  of  approaching ;  and  one  more  bold  than  the  rest 
even  had  the  audacity  to  put  it's  square  nose  close  to  the  wounded 
member. 

Others,  also,  appeared,  and  one  after  another  of  the  petty  rascals 
made  attempts  to  bite  their  big  brother,  and  then  the  whole  school 
of  sharks  turned  upon  the  big  one  and  chased  him  from  our  sight. 

44  That's  like  the  world,"  muttered  Jack  ;  "  as  soon  as  you  ha~e 
lost  all  that  is  valuable,  hundreds  of  knaves  kick  you  out  of 
favor." 

We  dipped  our  oars  in  the  water,  and  taking  the  black-fish  in 
tow,  made  for  the  ship,  and  without  any  other  incident  arrived  on 
board,  hoisted  in  the  fish,  and  found  that  we  had  secured  five, 
which  made  about  six  barrels  of  oil.  * 

During  the  night  watches,  Jack  used  to  give  me  lessons  in 
sparring,  and  I  found  they  were  of  much  advantage  to  me  even 


MY    FIRST    BATTLE.  47 

before  we  reached  Fayal ;  for  the  morning  before  sighting  that 
port  it  was  my  watch  below,  and  after  we  had  eaten  breakfast  I 
took  the  kids  and  carried  them  to  the  galley  for  the  cook  to  clean. 
"When  I  returned  to  the  forecastle,  one  of  the  Portuguese,  named 
Aotonie,  —  the  same  fellow  who  kicked  the  kid  from  me  the  first 
night  I  was  on  board  the  Sally,  —  shouted  out,  — 

"  Here,  you  boy  —  you  no  turn  in  till  you  clean  de  forecastle. 
Scrape  'em  all  out."  » 

"  I'll  do  my  part,"  I  said.  "  I  am  not  going  to  spend  the  whole 
of  my  forenoon  watch  below  in  doing  such  work  alone." 

*'  S'pose  you  no  do  it,  I  make  you,"  he  said. 

"  I'd  like  to  see  you  try  it,"  I  remarked. 

"  You  would,  hey?" 

"  I  should,"  was  my  answer. 

The  fellow  muttered  something  in  Portuguese,  and  made  a  jump 
for  me,  and  as  he  came  I  put  out  one  foot,  and  he  plunged  head- 
long into  a  berth,  striking  his  head  and  cutting  it  slightly  against 
a  board. 

"  There  goes  flukes,"  shouted  the  men,  roaring  with  laughter. 

"  Stern,  all !  "  cried  Jack.  "  He's  in  his  flurry.  Look  out  for 
him,  Pepper." 

The  warning  was  not  lost  on  me,  but  I  suffered  the  man  to 
scramble  from  the  berth,  and  as  soon  as  he  had  done  so  I  saw  that 
he  meant  fight  by  the  look  of  his  face.  He  made  a  dive  at  me, 
like  a  bull ;  but  I  dodged  one  side,  and  let  him  have  a  blow  upon 
his  face  that  started  the  claret,  and  then  clinched  and  threw  him 
upon  a  chest.  The  other  Portuguese  in  the  forecastle  started  up 
to  interfere,  but  Jack  kept  them  at  bay  with  his  long  and  power- 
ful arms. 

"  Let  'em  alone,"  he  said.     "  They  must  fight  it  out.     No  one 

all  interfere." 

"You  let  me  up,"  cried  the  Portuguese, 'kicking  with  all  his 
might ;  but  I  managed  to  avoid  his  feet. 

"  Let  him  up,"  said  Jack,  "  and  we'll  see  if  he  has  got  a  belly- 
ful yet." 

I  released  my  hand  from  the  fellow's  throat,  and  he  got  up  and 
seemed  inclined  to  try  his  fortune  again,  but  thought  better  of  it, 
and  joined  his  companions  on  the  other  side  of  the  forecastle. 


A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

WE     FASTEN     TO     A     SPERM     WHALE,    AND    THE     WHALE     FASTENS 

TO    US. 

BETWEEN  the  Western  Islands  and  the  equator  is  favorite 
cruising  ground,  even  to  the  present  day,  for  schooners  frequently 
pick  up  half  a  dozen  sperm  whales  there  in  the  course  of  a  few 
months  ;  and  as  we  were  compelled  to  cross  this  tract  on  our  way 
around  Cape  Horn,  the  lookouts  at  the  mast-heads  were  cau- 
tioned to  keep  their  eyes  open,  and  see  how  soon  they  could  raise 
a  school  of  whale.  For  a  week  after  we  left  Fayal,  we  strained 
our  eyes  in  all  directions,  and  one  morning  just  as  our  watch  had 
come  on  deck,  the  boat-steerer  at  the  main-top-gallant  mast  head, 
shouted,  in  clear  ringing  tones,  — 

"  There  she  blows." 

"Where  away?"  yelled  the  skipper,  who  was  walking  the 
quarter-deck  with  his  hands  in  his  pockets. 

"  Two  pints  off  the  lee  bow,  sir.     There  she  blows." 

"  What  does  it  look  like?  "  Captain  Bunker  asked. 

"  Sparm  whale,  I  guess,  sir,"  was  the  answer.  "  A  rigulai 
old  sojer.  There  she  blows  —  there  she  breaches." 

Captain  Bunker  took  his  hands  out  of  his  pockets  and  looked 
aloft,  and  after  looking  for  a  moment,  he  thought  that  he  would 
leave  the  quarter-deck  to  attend  to  itself,  and  have  a  glance  at  the 
whale,  so  that  he  could  pass  judgment  on  it. 

He  took  a  position  near  the  slings  of  the  fore-yard,  and  cast  his 
red  eyes  upon  the  waters,  far  ahead  of  the  ship  ;  and  as  he  did  so, 
he  manifested  some  signs  of  astonishment. 

"  Keep  off  two  pints,"  he  said  to  the  man  at  the  wheel,  "  and, 
Mr.  Spadem,  get  a  pull  at  the  weather  braces." 

The  boat-steerer,  who  was  perched  in  the  main-top-gallant  cross- 
trees,  continued  to  yell  every  time  the  whale  made  a  breach,  un 
til  at  last  Captain  Bunker  lost  all  patience. 

u  Stop  yer  blasted  noise,"  he  yelled  ;  "  I  can  see  for  myself — 
can't  I?" 

The  whale  appeared  to  be  terribly  excited,  and  when  not  lash 


CLEAR   AWAY   THE    BOATS.  49 

ing  the  ocean  into  foam  with  its  flukes,  was  breaching  most  wild- 
ly, and  throwing  its  body  half  out  of  water.  As  we  neared  the 
whale,  and  saw  its  antics,  I  noticed  that  the  men  who  had  spent 
most  of  their  lives  on  board  of  whale  ships,  began  to  look  seri- 
ous and  apprehensive.  A  few  words  which  I  overheard  Busby 
and  Hunter  (the  two  best  boat-steerers  in  the  ship)  exchange  con- 
vinced me  that  something  was  wrong,  and  the  whale  was  acting 
in  a  most  extraordinary  manner. 

Captain  Bunker  was  still  on  the  fore-yard,  and  seemed  some- 
what undecided  and  uncertain.  He  even  called  the  mate  in  con- 
sultation, and  they  spoke  in  low  tones,  but  with  eyes  directed 
toward  the  whale,  as  though  they  were  studying  its  eccentric 
movements,  and  could  not  comprehend  them. 

"  I  tell  you  what  it  is,"  cried  one  of  the  men  ;  "  that  'ere  whale 
has  been  fastened  to,  and  he's  trying  to  get  the  iron  out  of  his 
body.  That's  what  makes  him  breach  so  like  blazes." 

"  I  know  better,"  cried  another.  "  That  whale  is  ugly.  I 
don't  want  to  be  in  the  boat  that  fastens  to  him,  I  don't." 

u  I  never  seed  the  whale  that  I  was  afeard  of  yet,"  replied  the 
other,  boastingly. 

i:  Well,  I  has,  and  a  good  many  of  'em,  and  I  ain't  ashamed  to 
say  so.  By  thunder,  look  at  that  feller.  He  was  all  out  of  water 
that  jump.  He'd  cut  in  ninety  barrels,  I'll  bet  a  plug  of  tobacco." 

"  Brace  up  the  head-yards,"  shouted  the  captain  from  his  place 
aloft,  "  and  put  the  helm  down." 

The  mainsail  had  been  hauled  up  when  we  edged  away  for  the 
whale,  and  now  the  foresail  was  also  haiiled  up  as  the  ship  came 
to  the  wind  with  main-top-sail  thrown  to  the  mast. 

"  Clear  away  the  boats,"  the  captain  next  said  ;  and  he  left  the 
slings  of  the  yard  and  descended  to  the  deck. 

The  tubs  were  placed  in  the  boats  and  the  latter  lowered,  and 
in  we  tumbled  and  shoved  off;  but  somehow  there  did  not  seem, 
to  be  much  excitement  among  the  men  as  to  which  should  fasten 
first.  In  fact,  a  gloom  seemed  to  settle  upon  us  as  we  pulled  in 
the  direction  of  the  animal.  t 

When  we  were  within  half  a  mile  of  the  whale,  Mr.  Lance, 
the  second  mate,  seeing  that  his  superiors  were  not  disposed  to 
press  matters,  spoke  to  his  crew,  and  as  they  had  every  confidence 
in  him,  and  liked  him  better  than  any  officer  on  board,  they  bent 
to  their  oars,  and  the  second  mate's  boat  shot  past  us. 
4 


50  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Pull,  you  lazy  rascals,"  our  skipper  said,  with  an  oath.  "  Aro 
you  all  going  to  sleep,  or  what  is  the  matter  with  you?  Do  you 
know  that  there's  a  sparm  whale  ahead  of  us  ?  " 

We  obeyed,  and  the  boat  went  over  the  long  Atlantic  swell 
like  a  Cape  Horn  pigeon,  just  touching  a  wave  and  then  bound- 
ing to  another :  and  in  a  few  minutes  we  were  up  even  with  the 
second  mate's  boat,  and  struggling  for  the  lead.  * 

I  can't  say  that  I  felt  very  pleasant  or  comfortable  at  that 
time,  for,  as  we  approached  the  whale,  I  could  hear  with  awful 
distinctness  the  terrible  manner  in  which  it  struck  the  water  dur- 
ing one  of  its  breachings.  At  length  I  could  no  longer  control 
my  will,  and  round  went  my  head,  and  the  captain  saw  my  mo- 
tion. 

"  I'll  murder  you,  Pepper,"  he  roared,  "  if  you  look  over 
your  shoulder  agin,  you  scamp.  You  wouldn't  pull  a  sojer  off 
your  — ." 

The  balance  of  his  remarks  was  lost,  for  just  at  that  moment 
the  whale  breached,  and  was  so  near  the  boat  that  spray  flew  all 
over  us,  and  the  waves  knocked  us  about  as  though  we  were  in  a 
cross  current  with  a  stiff  breeze  blowing. 

"  Lay  on  your  oars,"  the  skipper  said,  while'we  were  shaking 
our  heads  free  of  the  salt  water. 

I  was  only  too  glad  to  obey. 

I  saw  the  skipper's  face  assume  a  doubtful  look.  He  squinted 
at  the  second  mate,  who  had  pulled  close  to  us  in  obedience  to  a 
signal,  and  the  second  mate  returned  the  glance  with  interest. 

"  What  do  you  think  of  that  'ere  whale  ?  "  asked  the  skipper. 

"  I  don't  know  whether  he  is  ugly  or  sick,"  was  the  answer. 

"  Sick  be  hanged,"  the  skipper  rejoined.  "  Who  ever  seed  a 
whale  sick  in  that  way." 

"  Shall  I  fasten,  sir?  "  asked  the  second  mate. 

"  Wai,  perhaps  you'd  best,  and  I'll  stand  by  to  pick  you  up  if 
you  get  stove." 

The  second  mate  did  not  wait  for  another  word.  He  spoke  to 
his  men,  and  they  pulled  towards  the  whale. 

I  peaked  my  oar,  and  all  of  us  turned  to  witness  the  contest, 
which  puny  men  were  to  wage  against  the  leviathan  of  the 
deep.  The  second  mate  approached  the  whale  in  a  slow  and  cau- 
tious manner,  and  I  could  see  that  nearly  every  one  of  his  boat's 
crew  had  their  heads  over  their  shoulders  to  see  what  they  were 


AN    UGLY    CUSTOMER.'  51 

pulling  upon ;  and  for  once  I  think  that  this  departure  from 
strict  rules  was  unrebuked,  for  Mr.  Lance  was  too  much  con- 
cerned at  the  danger  he  was  in  to  think  of  wasting  words  at  that 
time. 

Slowly  the  boat  moved  over  the  water  upon  its  destination,  and 
it  seemed  as  though  no  trouble  was  to  be  experienced  in  fastening 
to  the  whale,  for  the  animal  remained  motionless  until  just  a«  the 
boat-steerer  in  Mr.  Lance's  boat  stood  up  and  poised  his  iron, 
ready  for  a  dart ;  and  then  the  whale  raised  its  huge,  square  head 
high  out  of  water  —  a  head  that  was  armed  with  a  lower  jaw 
which  bristled  with  long,  white  teeth  —  a  head  so  old  that  upon 
its  sides  were  clustered  white  barnacles,  large  as  oysters. 

"  Starn,  all !  "  shouted  Captain  Bunker,  tearing  off  his  hat, 
and  dashing  it  into  the  stern  of  his  boat,  so  great  was  his  excite- 
ment. 

"  Starn,  all !  "  he  repeated,  "  for  your  lives,  staru,  all !  That 
whale's  crazy,  and  be  hanged  to  him." 

The  second  mate  had  seen  the  peril  before  the  captain  shouted 
his  warning,  and  just  in  time,  for  after  toppling  for  a  moment, 
over  the  huge  body  went,  and  struck  the  water  with  a  sound  like 
a  thunder-bolt ;  and  for  a  minute  Mr.  Lance  and  his  boat  were  lost 
sight  of,  as  the  water  bubbled  and  boiled  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
whale  ;  but  as  the  waves  subsided,  the  mate  and  boat  were  seen 
safe,  -and  I  breathed  easier  in  consequence,  and  I  think  that  the 
captain  did,  selfish  as  he  was  and  seemed. 

The  mate's  boat,  with  the  round-shouldered  Mr.  Spadem  in  the 
stern-sheets,  came  bobbing  towards  us,  the  face  of  the  officer  not 
looking  particularly  amiable. 

u  What  do  think  ?  "  asked  the  captain. 

"I  don't  know,"  was  the  answer;  and  the  mate  scratched  his 
head  and  took  a  huge  piece  of  tobacco,  and  chewed  on  it  most 
savagely. 

u  Do  you  want  to  fasten  to  that  'ere  whale?  "  the  captain  asked. 

"  Wai,  I  should  if  he  would  keep  quiet,"  was  the  non-commit- 
tal reply. 

The  captain  didn't  like  the  answer ;  but  he  scratched  his  head, 
and  looked  at  the  mate,  and  then  both  looked  at  Mr.  Lance ;  and 
just  as  they  did  so  the  second  mate's  boat  stole  quietly  towards 
the  whale,  which  was  for  a  moment  resting  in  peace  upon  the 
water,  and  before  we  could  take  a  long  breath,  we  saw  the  second 


52  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

officer  in  the  bow  of  his  own  boat,  and  hurling  two  irons  through 
the  air  with  the  quickness  of  lightning.  The  next  instant  the 
boat  was  hid  from  our  view  by  foam  and  spray. 

"  By  thunder,  he's  fast !  "  cried  Captain  Bunker  ;  "  and  if  he 
ain't  stove  it's  a  miracle.  Pull  a  few  strokes,  and  let's  see  what 
we  can  do  for  him." 

We  dipped  our  oars  into  the  water,  and  the  boat  was  pulled 
towards  the  whale,  which  had  not  yet  ceased  its  struggles ;  but 
as  we  neared  the  scene  of  action,  the  boat  of  the  second  mate  was 
found  to  be  safe  and  uninjured,  and  Mr.  Lance  coolly  surveying 
the  contortions  of  the  animal,  lance  in  hand,  ready  for  a  dart 
when  an  opportunity  presented. 

In  the  mean  time  the  whale  was  sometimes  standing  on  its 
head,  but  oftener  on  its  tail,  looking  around  with  its  small  eyes 
as  though  to  get  the  range  of  its  tormentors.  To  approach  the 
whale  while  fighting  in  such  a  manner,  was  not  to  be  thought  of. 

We  pulled  up  until  we  were  enabled  to  speak  with  the  second 
mate,  for  the  latter  had  backed  off  to  a  respectable  distance,  and 
was  as  much  astonished  at  the  actions  of  the  whale  as  any  one  ; 
yet  he  kept  his  thoughts  to  himself  for  fear  of  imparting  alarm 
to  his  boat's  crew. 

"  Both  irons  home  ?  "  asked  Captain  Bunker. 

"  Yes,  sir,  and  just  behind  the  hump.     They  won't  draw." 

u  What  do  you  think  of  him?  "  the  captain  asked. 

"  I  think  that  he  is  ugly,  and  will  do  mischief,  unless  we  are 
sharp  enough  to  prevent  it,"  was  the  calm  reply.  * 

"  Then  I  won't  fasten  to  him,  but  will  lay  by  and  assist,"  the 
captain  remarked. 

While  this  conversation  was  going  on,  the  first  and  third  mates 
were  lying  on  their  oars,  waiting  for  a  favorable  turn  ;  and  it  soou 
came,  but  was  not  so  favorable  as  could  have  been  wished,  for 
the  whale,  after  one  or  two  glances  around  the  horizon,  suddenly 
settled,  and  we  could  see  the  men  in  the  second  mate's  boat  con- 
testing every  inch  of  line  for  fear  he  should  take  it  in  his  head  to 
goutyl  deeper  than  was  desirable.  It  seemed  as  though  the  ex- 
pedient was  to  be  successful,  for  the  strain  on  the  line  appeared 
to  cease,  and  Mr.  Lance's  boat  was  whirled  around  half  a 
dozen  times,  towed  rapidly  for  a  few  fathoms  towards  the  other 
boats,  and  then,  while  we  were  thinking  that  the  whale  was  at 
least  fifty  fathoa^s  beneath  us,  there  was  a  sudden  ripple  near, 


SAFETY   IN   FLIGHT.  53 

and,  to  our  consternation,  the  old  fox  was  alongside,  and  look- 
ing at  us  with  his  little  cunning  eyes,  as  though  glad  of  the  in- 
terview. 

"  Starn,  all !  "  yelled  the  skipper.  "  Starn,  all,  I  tell  ye  !  " 
Up  out  of  the  water  came  the  head,  with  the  huge  mouth  open, 
and  the  lower  jaw  dropped  as  though  dislocated.  Up,  up  went  the 
head  until  it  towered  above  us  like  a  huge  rock,  which  needed  but 
a  touch  to  fall  and  crush  us  to  atoms.  We  forgot  our  oars,  and 
we  forgot  everything  but  the  danger  that  threatened  us.  I  looked 
at  the  captain,  to  see  what  advice  he  would  give  under  such  cir- 
cumstances ;  but  that  gentleman  did  not  seem  inclined  to  talk 
much,  and  I  noticed  that  he  paid  particular  attention  to  the  mouth 
of  the  whale.  I  began  to  move  in  my  seat,  and  think  how  I 
should  retreat  from  such  dangerous  company,  when  one  of  the  men, 
an  old  fellow  named  Davy,  suddenly  commenced,  — 

"  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep  " 

but  did  not  stop  to  finish  the  appeal,  for  over  the  side  he  w§nt, 
and  struck  out  for  the  mate's  boat. 

"  The  devil  may  stay  in  such  company,  for  I  won't,"  roared 
Jack  ;  and  over  he  went. 

I  wanted  to  go  also,  but  I  dreaded  to  leave  without  orders ;  but 
Captain  Bunker  did  not  seem  inclined  to  give  any,  excepting  once 
or  twice  he  mechanically  repeated,  — 

"Starn,  all  —  hard." 

Over  towards  us  came  the  head,  slowly,  as  though  to  prolong 
our  agony,  and  at  last  even  Captain  Bunker  found  that  he  was  for 
once  in  a  tight  place. 

"  Starn,  all  —  hard!"  he  yelled;  and  overboard  he  went,  al- 
though even  in  his  retreat  repeated  the  words  which  were  most 
used  while  fastened  to  a  whale. 

"  Here  goes  flukes,"  cried  the  boat-steerer,  who  was  in  the  stern- 
sheets,  and  over  he  went. 

"  Now,  Pepper,"  said  the  last  man,  the  one  who  pulled  the  tub 
oar,  and  over  he  went ;  and  then  I  arose  in  all  the  majesty  of  my 
strength,  and  with  a  bold  leap  I  left  the  boat  about  ten  feet  be- 
hind me,  and  when  I  lauded  in  the  water  it  was  directly  across 
the  neck  of  the  tub  oarsman. 

He  opened  his  mouth  to  utter  a  curse,  but  the  water  flowed  in 
and  stopped  it.  Down  I  went,  and  my  companion  with  me,  and 


54 

when  I  gained  the  surface  of  the  water,  I  struck  out  for  the  third 
mate's  boat,  which  had  pulled  towards  us  to  render  some  assist- 
ance ;  but  before  I  reached  a  place  of  safety,  I  heard  a  crash,  and 
turned  and  saw  that  the  whale  had  closed  his  jaws  upon  the  boat, 
and  that  it  was  a  wreck,  djvided  in  the  middle  as  easy  as  though 
cut  with  a  knife  ;  and  then  the  savage  monster  threw  two  thirds 
of  his  body  out  of  the  water,  and  came  down  upon  the  pieces  with 
a  crash  that  destroyed  the  last  remnants  of  the  boat.  I  called 
out  for  the  third  mate,  but  to  my  surprise,  his  men  commenced 
pulling  from  me. 

"  Look  out,  Pepper !."  yelled  Jack,  who  was  in  the  mate's  boat. 

I  glanced  around  and  saw  that  the  whale  had  sounded,  so  I 
recommenced  swimming  after  the  runaways. 

44  Swim  the  other  way  !  "  cried  the  mate.  While  I  was  wonder- 
ing what  he  meant,  I  felt  my  feet  touch  something ;  and  the  next 
instant  I  was  on  the  back  of  the  whale. 

I  had  only  time  to  notice  the  wondering  looks  of  the  men  in  the 
boats  which  were  near,  and  then  I  rolled  off  into  the  water,  and 
the  whale  passed  on  ;  but  the  eddy  which  such  a  huge  bulk  caused 
surged  me  against  his  flukes,  and  I  felt  them  touch  my  shoulder, 
but  as  gently  as  a  lady  would  tap  her  lover  with  a  fan,  while  in 
sportive  mood.  To  be  sure,  the  under-current  drew  me  beneath 
the  surface  of  the  water,  and  I  swallowed  more  of  it  than  was 
agreeable  ;  but  I  struggled  until  I  once  more  saw  daylight,  and 
then  I  struck  out  manfully  for  the  nearest  boat,  which  came  to- 
wards me  none  too  quick,  as  I  thought. 

All  were  watching  the  movements  of  the  whale,  which  was 
chasing  the  third  mate's  boat  with  considerable  perseverance.  I 
don't  mean  to  say  that  the  third  mate  was  frightened  at  the  enemy 
in  his  rear,  but  I  noticed  that  his  men  bent  to  their  oars  as  though 
they  were  in  .earnest. 

44  Don't  you  run  !  "  yelled  Captain  Bunker.  "  Turn  and  lance 
him."  But  the  advice  was  not  taken  by  the  cautious  officer. 

44  How  are  we  goin'  to  kill  that  whale  ?  "  asked  the  master  of 
Mr.  Spadem. 

The  mate  bit  off  a  rather,  huge  chew  of  tobacco. 

"  Can  you  kill  that  whale?"  yelled  the  master,  after  waiting 
for  a  few  minutes  impatiently. 

44 1  don't  know,"  was  the  response.  "  He's  an  ugly  feller,  and  I 
don't  want  to  get  stove  if  I  can  help  it." 


SHARP   WORDS.  55 

"Are  you  afraid  of  that  whale,  Mr.  Spadera?"  the  captain 
asked,  rather  sharply. 

"  Wai,  I  ain't  afeard,  sir,"  was  the  response ;  "  but  I  don't 
want  to  go  near  him." 

"  What  kind  of  a  whaleman  do  you  call  yourself?  "  the  skip- 
per asked. 

"  I  can  kill  a  whale,  Cap'n  Bunker,"  the  mate  said. 

"  Wai,  then,  let's  see  you  do  it." 

All  this  was  a  treat  to  us,  for  we  hated  the  captain  and  the 
mate,  and  there  was  not  much  to  choose  between  them.  The 
mate  was  about  to  make  a  response  ;  but  just  at  that  moment  the 
whale,  which  had  sounded  for  a  moment,  showed  signs  of  com- 
ing to  the  surface,  and  near  the  boat  the  captain  was  in. 

"  Look  out,  sir,"  cried  the  mate. 

u  You  take  keer  of  yerself,"  was  the  ungracious  response. 

Just  at  that  moment  the  whale  made  a  break  out  of  the  water, 
and  within  ten  fathoms  of  the  boat  in  which  the  skipper  was 
scolding.  The  captain  lost  his  boasted  presence  of  mind  and 
shouted  his  ever-rallying  cry,  — 

"Starn,  all— hard!" 

But  as  the  boat  moved  the  whale  advanced,  until  he  put  his 
nose  close  to  the  bows  of  the  craft ;  and  then  the  captain,  in  an 
agony  of  rage  and  fear,  seized  a  lance,  and  drove  it  into  the  head 
of  the  whale  clear  to  the  staff. 

A  roar  of  rage  was  the  answer  to  such  a  salute,  and  out  of  the 
water  rose  that  lower  jaw,  as  though  impatient  to  snap  up  boat 
and  contents  ;  and  then  with  a  powerful  effort,  the  whale  headed 
from  the  water,  in  the  direction  of  the  boat  which  contained  the 
captain.  The  mark  which  the  rascal  aimed  at  was  missed,  but 
by  not  more  than  a  fathom ;  and  the  next  instant  the  boat  was 
rolling  in  a  heavy  swell  which  the  whale  occasioned,  and  the  crew- 
were  clinging  to  the  gunwales,  as  though  fearful  it  would  turn  over. 
That  last  breach  was  too  much  for  Captain  Bunker. 

"•Starn,  all  —  hard  !  "  he  shouted  ;  and  after  the  boat  was  out 
of  danger  he  headed  for  the  ship. 

"  We  can't  kill  that  whale,"  he  cried.  "  He's  crazy  and  ugly. 
Go  on  board  and  let  him  alone,  or  we'll  have  more  boats  stoveu." 

"  Well,  I  s'pose  we  must  go,"  cried  the%  mate  ;  and  I  thought 
that  he  was  pleased  at  the  idea ;  and,  though  he  was  inclined  to 
hesitate,  the  movements  of  the  whale  were  enough  to  hurry  him, 


56  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

for  the  rascal  headed  direct  for  the  mate's  boat,  and  raised  that 
square  head  of  his  as  though  taking  aim. 

"Pull ;  blast  him,  he's  arter  us,"  said  the  mate  ;  and  the  men 
did  not  wait  to  be  told  twice.  As  they  passed  the  third  mate's 
boat,  Mr.  Spadem  shouted  to  Mr.  Lance  to  go  on  board  ;  but  Mr. 
Lance  had  got  his  blood  up,  and  wanted  revenge  for  the  boat 
which  had  been  destroyed. 

On  we  went,  the  whale  in  our  wake.  We  passed  close  to  Mr 
Lance,  and  the  second  mate  did  not  stir  from  his  position. 

"  You'll  miss  it,"  the  mate  said. 

Mr.  Lance  did  not  reply.  He  kept  his  eyes^  fastened  upon  the 
approaching  whale,  and  saw  that  it  did  not  swerve  from  the  course 
which  the  mate's  boat  was  taking.  He  spoke  a  word  to  his  crew, 
and,  to  my  surprise,  the  men  pulled  a  stroke  which  brought  the 
boat  nearer  the  whale. 

"  He's  mad,"  muttered  the  mate. 

But  Mr.  Lance  was  not  mad.  He  was  anxious  for  honors, 
and  was  determined  to  gain  some,  even  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  As 
the  whale  approached,  it  raised  its  head  out  of  the  water,  and  the 
second  mate  saw  his  advantage.  He  let  fly  his  lance,  and  the 
sharp  weapon  entered  the  side  of  the  fish,  just  behind  a  fin,  and 
buried  itself  to  the  socket. 

"  Starn,  all !  "  he  shouted  ;  and  in  an  instant  the  boat  was  fath- 
oins'from  the  whale,  which  breached  high  into  the  air,  and  then 
sounded  as  though  to  collect  its  ideas  under  water. 

For  fifteen  minutes  we  waited  for  the  rascal  to  show  himself. 
At  last,  without  warning,  the  whale  reached  the  surface  of  the 
water,  and  a  jet  of  blood,  thick,  clotted  blood,  was  puffed  into 
the  air,  and  dyed  the  ocean  for  many  fathoms  around. 

"  Hurrah  !  "  yelled  the  men  ;  "  old  ugly  has  got  a  bellyful  at  last." 

"  By  thunder  !  "  exclaimed  the  mate,  "  he's  spouting  blood  as 
sure  as  I'm  a  live  man.  Pull  for  the  ship,  men,  and  let  me  get  rid 
of  the  sojers,"  —  meaning  those  whom  he  had  picked  up  when  the 
boat  was  stoven. 

The  men  pulled  towards  the  ship,  but  kept  their  eyes  upon  the 
whale,  and  smiled  every  time  the  wounded  monster  spouted  blood. 
We  arrived  alongside,  and  I  was  not  sorry  to  get  ou  board  again. 
After  I  had  changed  my  clothes  I  went  on  deck.  I  found  that  the 
captain  had  not  recovered  his  temper,  for  he  stood  at  the  galley 
door,  with  the  cook's  wool  in  one  hand,  and  pounding  him  with 


A   PROPOSAL    TO   CUT   AND    RUN.  57 

the  other.  At  length  the  skipper  desisted,  and  as  he  drew  off  his 
forces  he  mattered,  — 

44  I'll  teach  you  to  send  me  muddy  coffee  agin." 

"  So  help  me  God,  cap'n — "  the  cook  said  ;  but  he  was  cut  short. 

"  Don't  bandy  words  with  me,  you  black  rascal,  or  I'll  tie  you 
up  and  take  the  skin  off  of  ye." 

The  cook  returned  to  his  galley,  and  wiped  the  blood  from  his 
face,  and  the  skipper  went  aft. 

"  Good  Heaven  !  "  I  thought ;  "  is  it  possible  that  a  man  can 
•so  misuse  another  just  on  account  of  a  little  muddy  coffee?" 

"  That's  nolhin'.  Pepper,"  Jack  said,  as  though  in  reply  to  my 
thoughts.  "  He's  got  the  old  boy  in  him,  and  it  will  cuin  out  afore 
the  vige  is  up,  you  may  believe." 

44  Jack,"  I  said,  drawing  him  one  side,  *4  the  Sally  is  to  touch 
at  the  Sandwich  Islands.  Why  can't  we  run  away  there?" 

44  How  does  you  know  that?"  he  asked. 

44  Because,  the  other  day,  when  it  was  my  trick  at  the  wheel,  I 
heard  the  captain  tell  the  mate  that  after  doubling  Cape  Horn,  he 
should  shape  his  course  for  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  stop  at 
one  of  them." 

"  Pepper,"  said  my  friend,  "  I'll  think  of  this  'ere  matter,  and 
see  what  is  best." 

The  whale  was  spouting  blood,  and  seemed  to  be  growing  weak- 
er every  moment ;  but  his  head  was  raised  from  the  water  quite 
often,  and  his  terrible  lower  jaw  was  worked  as  rapidly  as  ever. 

44  If  he  don't  stop  spouting  blopd  in  five  minutes,  that  'ere  whale 
is  a  goner,"  I  heard  the  third  mate  say. 

He  had  hardly  ceased  speaking  when  the  whale  suddenly  raised 
its  head  from  the  water,  and  commenced  swimming  around  in 
circles. 

44  Hurrah  !  he's  in  his  flurry,"  shouted  the  men. 

"What's  his  flurry?"  I  asked  of  an  old  man. 

44  Dying,  you  fool,"  was  the  reply. 

44  Well ;  why  couldn't  you  say  so?" 

44  'Cos,  tain't  ship-shape,"  was  the  answer ;  and  he  seemed  to 
thiuk  the  reply  was  a  clincher. 

Around  in  circles  the  whale  went,  gradually  contracting  them, 
until  a  circle  could  no  longer  be  formed  ;  and  then  a  thick  column 
of  biood  was  thrown  up,  and  with  one  mighty  effort  the  fish 
threw  its  whole  body  from  the  water?  rolled  over  and  pver  some 


58  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

two  or  three  times,  and  then  remained  stationary  on  its  side,  and 
with  one  fin  exposed  to  view. 

"  Hurrah  !  "  yelled  the  men  ;  "  he's  dead  as  a  Dutchman." 

"  Brace  forward  the  main  yard,"  cried  the  skipper,  who  felt  a 
little  more  pleasant,  when  he  saw  an  eighty-barrel  sperm  whale 
"  turned  up,"  after  all  hope  of  its  capture  was  given  over. 

We  run  to  the  windward  of  the  whale,  backed  our  main  and 
mizzen  top -sails,  and  let  the  Sally  drift  to  the  leeward.  As  we 
neared  the  prize,  one  of  the  boats  brought  us  a  line  secured  to 
the  flukes,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  whale  was  alongside,  the 
fluke  chain  in  its  place,  and  I  had  an  opportunity  to  glance  at  the 
animal  which  had  frightened  so  many  men  that  day.  I  must  con- 
fess that  I  was  a  little  disappointed,  for  the  whale  did  not  come 
up  to  my  expectations  in  ppint  of  size. 

It  was  about  seventy  feet  long,  but  how  large  in  circumference 
I  had  no  means  of  knowing  ;  but  while  I  was  forming  a  calculation, 
based  on  scientific  principles  the  mate  caught  a  glimpse  of  me. 

11  What  are  you  doing  there?  "  he  roared. 

"  Measuring  the  whale,"  I  answered. 

He  caught  up  a  rope  and  rushed  towards  me. 

"  I'll  measure  your  back,"  he  yelled ;  but  I  had  no  idea  of 
standing  still  and  letting  him  do  so.  I  made  a  bolt  forward,  and 
the  mate  after  me.  As  I  dodged  around  the  foremast,  he  caught 
his  foot  in  the  bight  of  a  rope,  and  over  he  went  upon  the  deck ; 
and  when  he  gained  his  feet  he  heard  the  skipper  call  from  the 
quarter-deck  ;  so  was  compelled, to  forego  his  vengeance. 

u  I  say,  Charley,  it  was  fun  to  see  old  Bilious  sprawl  on  the 
deck,"  whispered  my  friend  Will,  trying  to -suppress  his  laughter. 
"  His  shoulders  are  so  high  that  they  struck  afore  his  head.  He's 
mad  'cos  the  second  mate  killed  the  whale." 

We  got  up  our  "  cutting-in "  gear,  slung  our  stages  for  the 
mates  to  stand  on,  and  went  to  work  rolling  in  the  blubber,  huge 
blanket  pieces,  four  feet  wide  and  ten  feet  long,  which  were 
stowed  away  between  decks  for  future  use.  By  sundown,  the 
last  blanket  piece  was  on  board,  and  the  head  and  case  were  se- 
cured, and  then  the  carcass  was  cut  adrift. 

As  the  carcass  drifted  astern,  the  water  Mras  alive  with  sharks, 
which  were  shoving  their  blunt  noses  out  of  their  natural  element, 
iu  vain  attempts  to  secure  more  eligible  positions. 

The  day  alter  the  capture  our  try-pots  were  in  full  blast,  and 


TRYING    OUT.  59 

I  was  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of  holding  "  horse  pieces " 
while  my  friend  Jack  **  minced "  them.  The  blabber,  as  it  is 
received  on  board  as  related  before,  comes  in  the  shape  of 
blanket  pieces.  They  are  lowered  between  decks,  and  after 
the  whale  is  "  cut  in,"  two  men  are  detailed  for  the  very  dirty 
work  of  cutting  the  blubber  into  small  strips,  called  u  horse- 
pieces,"  and  pitching  them  on  deck,  where  they  are  thrown  into 
tubs,  and  are  ready  for  the  "  mincer."  The  "  mincer"  is  armed 
with  a  weapon  that  resembles  a  drawing-knife,  only  much  larger, 
and  his  duty  is  confined  to  slicing  the  "  horse  pieces  "  into  thin 
leaves,  so  that  every  drop  of  oil  will  exude  when  subject  to  boiling. 
To  enable  the  "  mincer  "  to  do  his  part  with  fidelity,  it  is  necessary 
that  some  one  should  hold  the  blubber  while  it  is  sliced ;  and  as 
the  latter  work  is  light,  the  youngest  ha,ud  on  board  is  generally 
detailed  for  the  business.  The  holder  is  armed  with  a  small  hook, 
with  which  he  fishes  out  the  "  horse  pieces  "  from  a  tub  that 
stands  at  his  side,  and  places  them  upon  a  bench,  ready  for  the 
"  mincer ;  "  and  after  they  are  sliced  they  are  ready  for  the  try- 
pots. 

The  position  to  which  I  was  promoted  was  not  a  cleau  one  or 
an  easy  one.  There  was  grease  on  my  hands,  face,  hair,  and  at 
last  I  could  almost  taste  it ;  and  when  the  last  piece  was  u  minced  " 
I  was  as  thankful  as  though  I  had  received  a  discharge  at  one  of 
the  islands  of  the  Pacific. 

Then  came  the  stowing  down  of  the  oil,  and  the  clearing  up 
of  the  deck  ;  but  at  last  all  that  was  accomplished,  and  we  once 
more  resumed  our  mast-heads,  and  the  regular  routine  of  ship- 
duty.  Our  whale  had  yielded  some  eighty  barrels  of  oil. 

We  crossed  the  line  after  the  usual  number  of  calms  and 
rain  squalls,  and  the  old  Sally  continued  to  drift  slowly  towards 
Cape  Horn.  This  was  a  pleasant  part  of  the  voyage ;  but  the 
treatment  of  the  crew  was  not  humane,  and  it  happened  quite 
often  that  some  of  the  .men  were  knocked  down  by  the  captain 
and  mate,  and  kicked  after  they  were  down  most  brutally. 

One  morning,  when  it  was  my  watch  on  deck,  the  skipper  made 
his  appearance  just  as  we  were  swabbing  down,  after  washing  the 
deck.  A  Portuguese,  named  Henry,  happened  to  flirt  a  few  drops 
of  water  upon  the  skipper's  feet. 

"  You  cafeless  dog,"  roared  Bunker,  u  what  do  you  mean?" 

"  Me  no  mean  to  do  dat,"  replied  the  man,  somewhat  frightened. 


60  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

44  No  mean  to  do  dat,"  cried  the  captain,  in  a  mocking  tone ; 
44  but  you  did  do  it ;  "  and  with  one  blow  he  struck  the  Portuguese 
to  the  deck,  and  then  kicked  him,  while  down,  until  the  man's 
face  was  covered  with  blood. 

^*4  Up  with  you,"  roared  the  skipper  ;  4'  don't  you  lay  there  grunt- 
ing when  you  ain't  hurt." 

44  Me  hurt,"  responded  the  poor  fellow,  slowly  rising  from  the 
deck. 

14  Then  I'll  hurt  you  more,  and  give  you  somethin*  to  whine 
about,"  the  bully  responded,  and  down  went  the  Portuguese  a 
second  time ;  and  the  captain  jumped  upon  his  prostrate  body, 
and  then  took  the  end  of  the  main-topsail  halyards,  and  beat  the 
man  until  his  cries  could  be  heard  all  over  the  ship. 

I  looked  at  the  Portuguese  members  of  our  watch,  and  I  saw 
more  than  one  face  flush  with  suppressed  rage  ;  and  if  we  had  been 
united,  the  Americans,  English,  and  Portuguese,  that  hour  would 
have  been  the  skipper's  last  in  this  world.  , 

The  sailor  got  upon  his  feet  and  crawled  forward.  His  coun- 
trymen crowded  around  him  and  washed  his  wounds ;  but  they 
did  not  speak  a  loud  word  all  the  time. 

44  There's  murder  in  them  fellers'  hearts,"  Jack  said  to  me,  as 
I  was  regarding  the  scene. 

44 1  wish  that  they  had  the  spunk  to  have  it  in  their  hands," 
I  answered,  indignantly. 

44  Come  here,  you  Pepper,  and  swab  the  deck,"  the  mate  cried, 
interrupting  my  reflections. 

I  went  aft  and  performed  the  work,  but  I  felt  how  sweet  re- 
venge would  be  to  me  as  I  wiped  up  the  Portuguese  blood.  That 
day,  while  I  was  giving  Jack  his  usual  lesson  in  reading  and  writ- 
ing, the  conversation  turned  upon  the  abuse  which  the  men  were 
receiving  at  the  hands  of  the  captain  and  the  mate. 

"  Is  there  no  redress?  "  I  asked. 

44  Noue,  unless  we  mutiny,  but  that  is  a  serious  thing  for  the 
men.  I've  seen  it  tried  twice  in  English  ships,  and  the  crew  got 
the  worst  of  it  after  reaching  port.  Consuls  won't  take  a  sailor's 
word,  even  if  backed  with  an  oath,  and  the  skipper  gets  the  best 
of  'em,  'cos  he  has  the  rocks,  and  consuls  know  it." 

We  went  on  with  our  lessons,  but  while  I  was  directing  Jack 
how  to  make  a  few  capital  letters,  a  man  named  Sa*n  joined  us, 
a  good  seaman,  but  a  great  grumbler,  and  cared  more  for  a  glass 


STEALING   RUM   FROM    A    SHIPMATE.  61 

of  liquor  than  a  dinner.  He  sat  watching  the  slow  movements 
of  Jack's  huge  fist  for  a  few  minutes,  with  an  expression  of  dis- 
gust upon  his  coarse  face,  and  then  gave  vent  to  his  feelings. 

"  What's  the  use  of  all  that  'ere?  Your  hand  is  better  fitted 
for  a  marlinspike  and  a  sarvin*  mallet  than  a  pen.  It's  no  use  for 
one  like  us  to  larn,  'cos  it  won't  do  any  good.  Now  drop  that 
'ere  thing,  and  listen  to  me.  Do  you  want  some  rum?" 

"  Try  me  ;  "  and  Jack's  eyes  sparkled. 

"  Wai,  there's  two  bottles  in  the  forecastle,  in  the  cook's  chest. 
They  belongs  to  Joe  Frank,  the  Portuguese.'" 

"  What's  it  doing  in  the  cook's  chest !  "  asked  Jack,  his  eyes 
wandering  in  that  direction. 

"  'Cos  Joe  Frank  fears  that  the  other  Portuguese  will  steal  it 
from  him." 

"  Heave  ahead,"  said  Jack. 

"  To-night,  during  the  first  watch,  I'll  get  a  key  to  the  chest, 
and  the  rum  is  ours.  Of  course  we  must  share  with  the  darky." 

"  Count  me  in,"  cried  Jack. 

"  It's  not  right,"  I  said. 

"  You  be  blowed,"  my  friend  remarked. 

"  Ef  he  blows  on  us  —  "  muttered  Sam. 

"  Avast  there  !  "  said  my  friend.  "  I  know  that  Pepper  is  true 
as  steel." 

u  You  know  that  I  tell  no  tales ;  but  in  this  matter  you  are 
acting  wrong,  and  I'll  have  no  hand  in  it." 

"  The  more  for  us  —  "  grunted  Sam. 

"  Recollect  I'm  to  know  nothing  of  the  matter,"  I  continued. 

"  Ef  you'll  only  hold  your  tongue,  we  don't  want  you  to,"  was 
the  answer. 

I  left  the  men  plotting,  and  turned  in  ;  but  that  night  about  five 
bells  in  the  first  watch,  I  saw  Jack  and  Sam  rise  from  the  vicinity 
of  the  try-pots,  and  steal  lightly  towards  the  forecastle.  I  went 
to  the  scuttle  and  waited.  They  extinguished  the  light,  which 
hung  at  the  foot  of  the  steps.  Intently,  as  I  listened,  I  could 
hear  the  movements  of  the  two  thieves,  for  they  were  doing  a 
job  which  they  had  often  done  before,  on  board  of  other  ships  ; 
and  let  me  state  here,  that  the  stealing  of  liquor  from  a  shipmate 
is  not  considered  a  serious  offence  at  sea  with  those  who  obtain  a 
share. 

After  Jack  and  Sam  had  been  in  the  forecastle  about  five  min« 


62  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

utes,  I  heard  a  sudden  click,  as  though  two  bottles  had  touched 
each  other,  and  then  the  men  commenced  their  retreat  up  the 
steps.  I  stepped  aside  as  they  passed  me  and  made  for  the  galley, 
where  they  concealed  themselves  and  the  liquor. 

At  four  o'clock  we  again  went  on  deck,  and  about  that  time  the 
doctor  was  called  to  start  a  fire  in  his  galley.  I  kept  watch,  and 
presently  I  saw  Jack  and  Sam  in  the  galley,  and  the  weather  door 
shut,  and  in  a  few  minutes  both  men  left,  wiping  their  mouths 
with  the  backs  of  their  hands.  Half  a  dozen  times  they  repeated 
their  visit,  and  it  began  to  tell  on  them.  As  for  the  cook,  he 
commenced  shouting,  — 

"  De  Lord  am  my  Shepherd,  and  I  am  his  sheep," 

until  the  noise  aroused  the  mate,  who  came  forward. 

44  What  are  you  making  all  "that  row  for  ? "  Mr.  Spadem 
grunted. 

"  Why,  bless  de  Lord,  Mr.  Mate,"  cried  the  cook,  "  I  feels  dis 
mornin'  as  dough  I  was  goin'  to  de  land  of  Canaan." 

"  You  black  rascal,  ef  you  don't  hurry  up  my  coffee,  I'll  see  if 
I  can't  make  you  sing  another  tune  ;  "  and  the  Christian-like 
mate  walked  aft,  not  suspecting  that  the  doctor  was  drunk. 

While  washing  down  the  decks  I  kept  one  eye  upon  the  cook, 
for  I  saw  that  the  liquor  was  getting  the  better  of  him.  Just  as 
the  captain  came  on  deck,  the  doctor  left  the  galley  with  a  huge 
copper,  the  water  in  which  he  wished  to  empty  over  the  side. 

"  I'se  bound  to  hab  de  glory, 
I'se  bound  to  hab  de  glory," 

he  sang  in  a  loud  voice,  which  attracted  the  attention  of  the  skipper. 
He  glanced  at  the  poor  fellow,  who  was  unconscious  of  the  at- 
tention which  he  attracted,  and  while  looking  the  doctor  reached 
the  rail  and  raised  the  boiler.  Just  at  that  instant  the  ship  gave 
a  lurch,  and  over  went  the  boiler  into  the  ocean,  and  the  cock 
was  compelled  to  cling  to  the  monkey-rail  to  prevent  going  too. 

"  It  has  gone  to  glory, 
It  has  gone  to  glory," 

sang  the  cook,  looking  somewhat  surprised,  and  scratching  hia 
head  with  decided  vigor. 

The  skipper  jumped  for  the  unfortunate  man,  and  caught  him 


THE    CAPTAIN   AND    COOK.  63 

by  his  neck,  and  brought  him  to  the  deck ;  but  as  he  struck  on 
his  head,  it  did  not  hurt  him  much. 

"  You  black  rascal,"  roared  Bunker,  "  what  do  you  mean  by 
throwing  that  biler  overboard  for  ?  " 

"  I'll  hab  a  little  glory,  I'll  —  "  began  the  doctor ;  but  the 
skipper  choked  him  so  hard  that  he  could  not  finish  the  stanza. 

"O,  don't  do  dat,"  cried  the  darky ;  "  it  hurts." 

u  I'll  hurt  you,  you  black  rascal,"  said  the  captain ;  and  he 
lifted  the  negro's  head  by  the  aid  of  the  wool,  and  dashed  it  upon 
the  deck. 

"  I'll  hab  a  little  —  " 

"  You  have  had  a  little  rum  this  mornin' ;  that's  what  you've 
had,"  interrupted  the  captain :  "  and  I'll  find  out  where  you  got 
it ;  "  and  seizing  the  doctor  by  the  wool,  he  dragged  him  aft. 

Jack  and  Sam,  the  two  who  were  instrumental  in  inducing  the 
doctor  to  drink,  skulked  near  the  foremast,  and  looked  rather 
foolish. 

"  Now,  you  black  rascal,  tell  me  where  you  got  your  rum," 
said  the  Christian  Captain  Bunker,  with  sundry  kicks  at  the  doctor. 

The  prostrate  man  commenced  singing,  "  Glory,"  but  the  skip- 
per interrupted  him. 

"  The  rum  —  where  did  you  get  it?  "  was  the  fierce  question. 

"  Wai,  cap'n,  you  jist  luf  alone  my  throat,  and  I'll  tell  you." 

"  Tell,  you  black  rascal ;  "  and  down  went  the  head  upon  the 
deck  with  a  crash. 

"  Golly !  don't  do  dat,"  cried  the  negro,  as  though  he  felt  a  lit- 
tle uncomfortable  under  such  treatment. 

"  Don't  tell  me  what  to  do,"  said  the  enraged  captain,  with  an 
oath.  "  I'm  the  cap'n  of  this  'ere  ship.  I'll  make  you  into  a 
hash  if  I  please." 

"  I's  too  tough,  cap'n,"  cried  the  negro,  who,  in  spite  of  his 
position,  coulc^  not  help  showing  a  specimen  of  humor. 

"  I'll  see  how  tough  you  are,"  roared  the  skipper ;  and  down 
upon  the  deck  went  the  poor  man's  head  with  a  bump. 

"  Dat  hurt,"  he  said. 

u  Then  tell  me  where  you  got  that  rum.  I  want  to  know,  and 
I  will  know." 

4'  Dat  rum  was  Joe  Frank's  ;  but  I  —  " 

The  Christian  captain  did  not  stop  to  hear  more.  He  gave  the 
negro's  head  a  thump  upon  the  deck,  and  shouted  to  the  mate,  — 


64  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Bring  that  'ere  Portuguese  aft." 

Joe  Frank  was  asleep  in  the  forecastle,  and  dreaming  of  the 
little  plot  of  land  which  he  expected  to  own  some  day.  He 
was  awakened  by  a  rough  hand  taking  him  by  the  nape  of 
the  neck,  and  dragging  him  out  of  his  berth,  and  from  thence 
on  deck. 

"  What  dis  for?  "  asked  the  man,  a  little  wildly. 

"Never  you  mind  what  it  is*"for,"  was  the  unsatisfactory  an< 
svver  which  the  mate  returned. 

Joe  Frank  was  hurried  aft,  and  by  the  time  he  was  confronted 
with  the  skipper,  the  cook  had  gained  his  feet. 

"  What  is  dis  all  for?  "  asked  Joe  Frank. 

u  Silence,  you  Portuguese  rascal,"  the  captain  replied.  "  Don't 
you  go  for  to  speak  till  I  tells  yer  to.  What  did  you  give  that 
nigger  rum  for  ?  "  he  asked. 

tl  Me  no  gib  'em  rum,  sar,"  the  man  replied,  with  a  look  of 
astonishment. 

"  Don't  you  tell  me  you  didn't,  when  I  know  you  did." 

"  Me  no  gib  'em  —  " 

The  captain  did  not  wait  for  the  man  to  finish.  He  gave  a 
jump,  and  caught  the  Portuguese  by  the  neck,  and  shook  him 
for  a  moment,  and  then,  findjng  that  such  work  was  fatiguing, 
knocked  him  down  and  jumped  upon  him,  landing  heavily  upon 
the  man's  breast ;  and  I  thought  had  crushed  his  bones  in. 

"  Now  get  up,"  roared  this  Christian  New  Bedford  skipper. 

"  Me  can't,"  whined  the  poor  fellow. 

"  Get  up,  I  tell  you  ;  "  and  the  boots  were  once  more  applied  to 
the  man's  ribs. 

The  Portuguese  arose  with  some  difficulty,  and  stood  trembling 
before  the  quarter-deck  tyrant. 

"  There,  didn't  I  tell  you  you  could?"  the  captain  cried,  tri- 
umphantly ;  and  then  drew  back  his  arm,  and  let  his  fist  fall 
upon  the  unprotected  face  of  the  Portuguese,  and  he  fell  to  the 
deck  as  though  struck  by  lightning,  and  he  didn't  move,  either, 
for  some  minutes. 

"•  Take  this  brute  forward,"  roared  the  captain,  bestowing  a 
kick  upon  the  bleeding  man  ;  and  two  of  the  men  took  the  Portu- 
guese in  their  arms,  and  carried  him  to  the  forecastle,  and  poured 
buckets  of  water  upon  his  he£d  to  revive  him. 

"  Now,  you  black  rascal,  do  you  go  into  the  galley,  and  don't 


JACK    AND    THE    MATE.  65 

let  me  hear  of  you  agin,  or  of  your  getting  drunk.     I  can  sing 
all  the  hymns  that's  wanted  on  board  this  'ere  vessel." 

The  darky  limpeS  into  his  galley,  and  finished  getting  break- 
fast, but  he  was  lame  for  two  weeks. 


CHAPTER  V. 

A   LIGHT    OFF   OUR   WEATHER    BOW,    AND   WHAT   CAME    OF   IT. 

ONE  night,  when  it  was  my  first  watch  on  deck,  and  while  I 
was  pacing  back  and  forth  with  Jack,  I  saw  the  sudden  flash  of  a 
light  about  a  point  off  our  weather  bow.  The  Sally  was  then 
close-hauled  on  the  wind,  and  was  making  a  prodigious  attempt 
to  move  through  the  water ;  but  it  was  all  froth,  and  no  sub- 
stance. 

"Jack,"  I  said,  "  there's  a  light  off  our  weather  bow." 

He  looked  in  the  direction  indicated. 

"  That's  no  light  from  the  try-works,"  he  said.  "  It's  too 
much  of  a  glim  for  that.  I'll  give  the  mate  a  hint,  or  he  may 
swear  that  we  don't  keep  a  lookout ;  "  and  going  aft  he  informed 
Mr.  Spadem  of  the  fact. 

"  Eh,"  he  grunted  ;  "  it's  some  old  craft  on  fire  ;  "  and  then  he 
put  his  hands  in  his  pockets,  and  commenced  walking  the  decks  as 
as  though  nothing  more  was  to  be  done. 

"  Paps  there  may  be  humans  on  board,"  Jack  said. 

"  Well,  what  of  it?"  Mr.  Spadem  asked. 

"  Wai,  paps  they'd  like  to  be  saved,"  my  friend  continued. 

"  Well,  who's  to  prevent  *em,"  the  mate  inquired. 

"  I  don't  know  who's  to  prevent  'em,  sir,"  replied  Jack  ;  "  but 
I  should  like  to  have  a  hand  in  saving  'em,  sir." 

"  And  bring  a  parcel  of  folks  on  board  what  will  eat  us  out  of 
house  and  home,"  sneered  the  mate. 

"  I'll  give  up  part  of  my  rations  for  'em,"  said  the  sailor. 

"  Well,  /  won't,  and  I  don't  want  to  hear  any  more  about  it," 
cried  the  mate ;  and  as  that  was  a  hint  for  Jack  to  move  forward, 
he  was  about  to  do  so,  when  the  captain  came  oil  deck. 
5 


66  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  What's  the  matter?"  the  skipper  asked. 

"  A  light  off  the  weather  bow,  sir,"  returned  the  mate,  who 
suddenly  grew  wonderful  obsequious  in  the  presence  of  the  cap- 
tain. 

"  What  is  it?" 

"  A  vessel  burning,  sir." 

"  And  why  didn't  you  let  me  know  of  it  afore?  Jist  as  like  as 
not  we  can  pick  up  some  sails  and  rigging  aboard.  We  are  not 
more  than  two  miles  from  the  fellow,"  said  the  captain,  u  and  I 
think  I'll  send  a  boat  and  see  what  there  is  on  board." 

"What  boat  shall  I  send?"  asked  the  mate. 

"  Let  Mr.  Lance  and  his  b^at  go,"  said  the  captain,  after  a 
pause. 

The  second  mate  was  on  deck  in  an  instant,  dressed  and  ready 
for  duty. 

"  Clear  away  the  waist  boat,"  was  the  order  ;  and  as  half  the 
crew  belonging  to  that  boat  were  below,  and  it  was  not  desirable 
to  disturb  them,  Jack  and  I  sprang  .to  obey  the  command. 

We  cast  off  the  gripes  and  falls,  and  then  sang  out  to  lower 
away,  Jack  at  the  bow  tackle,  and  I  at  the  after  one.  No  sooner 
had  the  boat  struck  the  water  than  half  a  dozen  men  threw  them- 
selves over  the  rail  for  the  purpose  of  manning  it. 

"  Come  out  of  that,"  roared  the  mate.'  "  I  only  want  five 
hands." 

"  And  there's  six  here,  sir,"  Jack  answered. 

"  Then  the  last  man  come  out,"  was  the  order. 

"  That  means  Rooney,  sir,  for  he's  the  last  at  everything  ex- 
cepting the  kid,"  some  one  cried  ;  and  there  was  a  low  laugh. 

"  Then  come  up  here,  Rooney,"  said  the  second  mate  ;  and 
Rooney  went. 

"  Shove  off!  "  was  the  order. 

"  Wait  one  moment,"  cried  the  skipper,  poking  his  head  over 
the  rail.  "  If  you  find  anything  worth  saving,  make  a  raft,  if  you 
can,  to  put  the  things  on.  I'll  hist  a  light  for  yer  to  know  where 
I  am." 

We  dipped  our  oars  into  the  water,  and  sent  the  boat  flying  over 
the  long  swells ;  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  Sally  was  lost  to  our 
eight  in  the  darkness  of  the  night. 

We  glanced  over  our  shoulders,  and  saw  ahead  of  us  a  large 
ship,  with  fire  raging  forward,  but  \\ith  the  after  part  uninjured. 


I    MEET   MISS    JULIA.  67 

The  sight  inspired  us  with  renewed  exertions ;  we  bent  to  our 
oars  until  the  perspiration  streamed  down  our  faces  in  large  drops  ; 
and  almost  before  we  were  prepared  for  it,  the  light  of  the  burn- 
ing vessel  fell  upon  the  boat,  and  at  the  instant  Mr.  Lance  ex- 
claimed, — 

"  Give  way,  lads  ;  there's  some  one  on  board.  I  can  hear  them 
call  us." 

Two  more  strokes  of  the  oars,  and  we  were  alongside  of  a  ship 
with  painted  ports,  and  a  run  as  clean  as  a  Baltimore  schooner's. 
The  second  mate  climbed  up  the  main  chains,  and  I  followed 
him.  As  we  reached  the  monbey-rail,  I  saw  that  the  crew  of  the 
ship  were  making  efforts  to  hoist  fye  launch  from  midships.  Mr. 
Lance  jumped  on  deck,  and  I  followed  him. 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  where  do  you  come  from?"  asked  an 
elderly  gentleman. 

"  We  came  from  a  ship  a  short  distance  from  here,"  I  an- 
swered ;  for  the  second  mate,  with  the  feelings  of  a  tar,  had 
rushed  to  render  what  assistance  he  could  to  those  who  were 
working  so  hard  with  the  boat. 

"  My  dear  boy  !  "  exclaimed  the  old  gentleman  ;  and  he  laid  his 
hand  most  affectionately  on  my  neck,  as  though  to  embrace  me ; 
"  your  presence  is  most  welcome  here,  for  now  we  shall  be  saved, 
and  my  child  will  not  suffer  the  horrors  of  thirst  and  hunger  in 
the  boats." 

"  0,  no  fear  of  that,  sir,"  I  answered.  "  We  can  find  room 
for  you  on  board  the  Sally,  where  you  will  be  well  taken  care  of." 

He  embraced  me  most  affectionately,  and  then  seized  my  hand. 

"  Come,"  he  said,  u  let  us  go  and  comfort  my  child  with  the 
joyful  news  of  your  arrival." 

He  led  me  towards  the  quarter-deck,  and  on  the  poop  I  found  a 
young  lady  whose  attention  had  been  so  much  attracted  by  the 
fire,  that  she  had  not  seen  the  boat  which  I  came  in. 

u  Julia,"  he  said,  "  assistance  has  arrived,  and  most  unex- 
pectedly. This  gentleman  has  come  with  a  boat  from  a  ship  but 
a  short  distance  off." 

As  the  father  was  speaking  I  took  a  survey  of  the  lady,  and  I 
thought  that  she  was  nearly  as  pretty  as  my  loved  Jenny.  She 
was  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  with  dark  hair  and  eyesf  and  a 
face  that  was  so  pleasant  in  its  expression,  that  I  wished  she 
would  give  me  the  same  reception  that  her  father  had,  and  put 


68  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

her  arms  around  my  neck  ;  but  she  didn't,  for  she  arose  and  took 
one  of  my  hard,  black  paws  in  her  delicate  little  haads,  and 
pressed  it  so  kindly,  and  looked  at  me  so  sweetly  and  sadly  from 
those  dark  eyes  of  hers,  that  I  am  fearful  I  forgot  Jenny,  the  old 
Sally,  and  everything  except  the  lady  before  me. 

"  O,  sir,"  she  said,  "  you  are  an  angel,  and  will  have  your  re- 
ward for  thus  coming  to  our  rescue." 

"  I,  for  one,  want  no  reward,  except  the  consciousness  of  hav- 
ing assisted  so  beautiful  a  lady  in  distress,"  I  replied,  removing 
my  cap  and  bowing  low  before  her,  for  the  purpose  of  showing 
that  I  knew  what  politeness  was.» 

u  Surely,  sir,  you  must  be^he  captain  of  the  ship  which  has 
hastened  to  our  assistance,"  the  lady  remarked. 

Just  my  luck.  I  had  made  an  impression,  and  now  it  was 
to  be  effaced,  if  I  told  her  that  I  was  but  a  boy  on  board  the 
Sally. 

"  No,  marm,  he  ain't  the  skipper ;  but  ef  he  lives  long  'nough 
he  will  be  one,"  said  a  deep  voice  at  my  side,  and  Jack  shoved 
his  oar  in. 

"  Yes,  marm,"  continued  Jack,  with  a  scrape  of  his  foot,  "  this 
youngster  is  my  friend.  He  and  me  is  chums,  marm,  and  I  am 
larnin'  him  a  seaman's  duty,  and  in  return  he  is  larnin'  me  how 
to  write  and  read.  We  belongs  to  a  bloody  old  blubber  hunter, 
and  how  two  sic'h  likely  chaps  as  I  and  Pepper  come  to  be 
aboard  of  her,  1  don't  know." 

The  lady  smiled  at  the  earnestness  of  Jack,  but  her  father  had 
given  me  a  keen  look  while  Jack  was  speaking.  'He  seemed  to 
read  my  thoughts,  for  he  said  quickly,  — 

"  To  know  how  to  command  a  ship,  it  is  necessary  to  learn  all 
the  duties  of  a  sailor's  life,  and  those  duties  can  only  be  acquired 
by  serving  in  the  forecastle." 

"  Bully  for  you,"  cried  Jack.  "  That's  what  I  tells  Pepper 
every  dog-watch.  But,  then,  what  does  sich  a  feller  want  to  go 
to  sea  for,  when  he  has  got  a  daddy  that  could  afford  to  feed  him 
on  plum  duff  every  day  in  the  week  ?  " 

I  did  not  wait  to  hear  more.  I  ran  towards  the  men  who  were 
at  work  on  the  long-boat,  and  left  Jack  to  talk  as  he  pleased. 

*'  You  know  the  young  man's  father,  then  ? "  asked  the  old 
gentleman,  as  soon  as^I  was  gone. 

"  Lord  bless  you,  sir,  I  don't  know  him  ;  but  then  I  can  read, 


ON  THE  BURNING  SHIP.     Page  G8. 


TAKING   TO    THE    BOATS.  69 

and  if  Pepper  didn't  run  away  from  home,  and  a  good  home,  too, 
I'm  a  sinner." 

44  Pepper  !  what  a  singular  name,"  said  the  lady. 

"  Wai,  that  ain't  Pepper's  name  ;  but  we  call  him  Pepper,  'cos 
it's  short." 

Just  at  this  instant  the  launch,  which  had  been  hoisted  clear 
of  the  chocks,  fell  upon  the  monkey-rail  with  a  crash,  and  the 
boat  rolled  over  upon  the  deck,  bottom  up.  The  fire,  which  was 
running  up  the  foremast,  had  burned  the  tackles  which  were 
fastened  to  the  fore-yard-arm.  , 

*'  We  must  use  the  quarter-boats,"  said  the  captain  of  the 
ship  ;  and  he  ordered  them  hauled  alongside,  for  they  had  been 
towing  astern. 

44  Let  one  of  your  boats  start  for  the  Sally  with  as  many  peo- 
ple as  it  can  contain,"  said  Mr.  Lance,  addressing  the  captain. 
*'  1  will  also  send  my  boat  with  passengers,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
it  can  return  with  the  rest  of  the  Sally's  boats." 

"  It  shall  be  done,"  the  captain  said,  promptly.  "  I  will  re- 
.main  until  every  one  leaves  the  ship." 

44  And  I  will  stay  with  you,"  Mr.  Lance  replied.  "  I  may  be 
of  some  use.  Pepper  ! "  he  cried. 

44  Here  I  am,  sir,"  I  answered. 

44  Get  the  boat  alongside,  and  take  the  lady  and  gentleman  and 
their  baggage  on  board  ;  and  tell  Captain  Bunker  that  more  boats 
are  wanted  to  save  the  rest  of  the  people.  Stay,"  he  continued, 
and  lowering  his  voice,  "  tell  him  that  the  ship  is  loaded  with  a 
rich  cargo,  and  bound  for  the  •  Sandwich  Islands  ;  and  that  much 
of  the  stuff  can  be  saved.  Be  lively  now." 

44  Anything  more,  sir?"  I  asked. 

44  No.  If  the  captain  should  ask  where  I  am,  say  that  I  am 
collecting  what  valuables  I  can." 

In  a  few  minutes  I  had  the  boat  alongside,  and  then  I  lowered 
two  or  three  trunks  over  the  rail,  and  went  to  inform  the  old  gen- 
tleman that  we  were  ready. 

44  Come,  Julia,"  the  father  said ;  u  we  must  not  keep  these 
good  men  waiting." 

44  But  how  am  I  to  get  into  the  boat?  "  the  lady  asked. 

*4  I  have  slung  a  pair  of  £teps  at  the  gangway,"  I  said.  4'  I 
will  assist  yon." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  it,  my  lad,"  the  father  remarked ;  and  he 


70  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

gave  his  arm  to  the  child,  and  led  her  to  the  gangway,  where 
the  master  of  the  ship  was  standing,  giving  orders. 

"  Captain  Starboard,  I  hope  we  will  meet  again  on  board 
the  stranger.  I  would  remain  with  you,  were  it  not  for  my 
Julia." 

u  Your  place  is  not  here,  Mr.  Cherington,"  answered  the  mas- 
ter, calmly.  "  Look  after  your  child.  She  is  of  more  value  than 
ship  and  cargo." 

"  But  not  of  so  much  value  as  the  life  of  Captain  Starboard, 
who  has  a  wife  and  family,"  the^oung  girl  said. 

Captain  Starboard  drew  his  hand  across  his  eyes,  and  his  lips 
quivered. 

"  God  bless  them,"  he  said.  "  It  will  be  a  hard  blow  when 
they  hear  of  this  disaster." 

44  But  not  when  they  know  that  you  did  all  that  human  being 
could  do  to  check  the  fire,  and  that  you  are  safe,"  Julia  re- 
marked. • 

The  father  assisted  his  child  over  the  gangway,  and  then  passed 
down  the  steps  before  her,  holding  on  to  the  man-ropes,  so  that 
she  could  not  fall.  The  instant  they  gained  the  boat  I  joined 
them,  and  we  shoved  off  and  pulled  for  the  Sally ;  the  quarter- 
boats  belonging  to  the  burning  ship  following  in  our  wake,  loaded 
with  men  and  their  clothes.  We  pulled  slowly  towards  the  Sally, 
for  the  purpose  of  allowing  the  quarter-boats  to  keep  up  with  us, 
and  while  on  our  way,  Mr.  Cheriugton  told  me  how  the  fire  on 
board  the  Sea  Hawk  caught,  as  near  as  he  could  imagine. 

u  We  left  Boston,"  he  said,  u  some  six  weeks  since,  bound  for 
the  Sandwich  Islands,  where  I  have  passed  some  fifteen  years  of 
my  life  in  trade,  having  settled  at  Honolulu,  first  in  the  capacity 
of  a  clerk,  and  afterwards  commenced  business  on  my  own  ac- 
count. This  morning  smoke  was  seen  to  issue  from  the  fore  hatch. 
The  hatches  were  removed,  but  such  a  dense  volume  of  smoke 
burst  forth,  that  they  were  put  on  again,  and  secured,  and  we 
then  commenced  making  preparations  for  extinguishing  the  fire 
by  boring  holes  in  the  deck.  At  first  we  thought  t^at  we  were 
likely  to  succeed ;  but  towards  night  the  fire  spread  forward,  and 
I  saw  that  all  hope  was  lost.  Not  so  with  Captain  Starboard, 
however.  He  determined  never  to  give  up  until  the  masts  were 
on  fire ;  and  that  is  the  reason  why  the  launch  was  not  hoisted 
out  in  the  early  part  of  the  evening,  as  I  advised  and  requested. 


CAPTAIN    BUNKER    DISGUSTED.  71 

The  captain  feared  that  the  men  would  neglect  their  duty,  and 
leave  the  ship  in  the  boats,  if  they  were  launched,  although  I  did 
finally  succeed  in  persuading  him  to  put  a  few  provisions  in  the 
quarter  boats,  and  keep  them  astern,  ready  for  use.  The  captain 
did  not  relax  his  exertions  all  day  and  all  the  evening  ;  but  they 
were  useless,  as  you  see ;  and  now  that  noble  ship  must  find  a 
resting-place  for  her  timbers  on  the  bed  of  the  ocean." 

"  'Tis  what  we  must  all  expect,"  said  Jack.  u  I  don't  want 
anything  better,  arter  I  die,  than  a  ten-pound  shot  at  my  feet,  a 
roll  in  a  hammock,  and  to  sleep  at  the  bottom  of  the  ocean." 

"  Ah,  that  has  been  your  education,  my  man,"  Mr.  Chering- 
ton  said.  u  But  most  people  have  a  dread  of  such  a  burial,  and 
I,  for  one,  don't  like  to  think  of  it." 

"  Don't  talk  of  such  subjects,  father,"  the  lady  said,  gently. 
z  u  I  will  not,  my  child,"  he  replied ;  and  then  he  turned  to  look 
at  the  burning  ship.  The  flames  were  crawling  up  the  foremast, 
and  leaping  from  stay  to  lift,  from  brace  to  halyard,  like  serpents 
sporting  on  a  tree  ;  and  while  we  looked,  the  mast  swayed  to  and 
fro,  and  then  fell  with  a  crash  that  sent  the  sparks  flying  heaven- 
ward, and  then  all  was  dark  for  a  moment,  and  but  for  a  moment, 
for  we  could  see  flames  on  the  mainmast,  which  grew  brighter  as 
they  were  fed  by  the  tarry  and  greasy  topmast  stays.  We  saw 
no  time  was  to  be  lost  in  hastening  back  to  the  wreck. 

"  There's  the  Sally,  right  ahead,"  said  Jack  ;  and  in  a  few  min- 
utes we  were  alongside. 

As  the  men  shipped  their  oars  the  face  of  Captain  Bunker  was 
visible  peering  over  the  rail. 

"  What  you  got?"  he  asked.     "  Anything  valuable ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  two  human  lives,"  I  answered. 

"  Where's  Mr.  Lance?"  the  captain  asked. 

"  He  sent  me  on  board  with  two  passengers,  sir,  and  wanted 
you  to  despatch  the  other  boats  as  soon  as  possible." 

I  heard  the  skipper  utter  a  growl,  but  the  men  managed  to  get 
a  pair  of  steps  over' the  side,  and  by  their  aid  the  lady  was  landed 
on  the  deck,  followed  by  her  father  ;  and  as  they  reached  the  deck 
the  Sea  Hawk's  quarter-boats  came  alongside  with  eight  or  ten  men 
and  their  baggage.  This  was  not  calculated  to  raise  the  spirits  of 
the  captain. 

"  We  shall  be  eaten  up,"  he  muttered,  "  and  our  vige  ruined, 
Darn  such  luck." 


72  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Mr.  Cherington  must  have  supposed  "that  the  captain  was  allud- 
ing to  the  burning  ship,  for  he  replied,  — 

.*'  We  have  indeed  had  hard  luck,  but  I  trust  that  we  shall 
bring  good  fortune  to  you  and  your  ship.  For  the  trouble  which 
we  put  you  to,  I  will  pay  handsomely,  as  I  am  well  able  to." 

44  O,  don't  mention  it,"  cried  the  captain.  u  I  am  sure  I'm 
glad  I'm  here  to  assist  you ; "  and  then,  fearful  that  he  had  com- 
mitted himself,  he  added,  "  To  be  sure,  I  don't  know  how  my 
owners  will  feel  about  the  matter.  They  are  close  men,  and 
might  want  something." 

44  They  shall  be  satisfied,  sir,"  Mr.  Cherington  said,  with 
dignity. 

"  That's  enough  betwixt  friends,  sir,"  the  captain  cried.  u  Please 
to  walk  into  the  cabin,  sir,  where  the  lady  can  find  a  seat.     And 
perhaps  she'd  like  something  to  eat  and  drink.     Steward,  make* 
a  pot  of  switchel,  and  put  a  plate  of  bread  on  the  table." 

I  think  that  the  fair  Julia  did  not  kaow  what  switchel  was, 
for  she  made  no  objection  to  the  suggestion  of  the  captain,  and 
all  three  were  about  to  enter  the  cabin,  when  Mr.  Cherington 
spoke. 

44  There  are  many  things  which  might  be  saved,  on  board  the 
Sea  Hawk,  if  you  would  send  your  boats,  captain." 

44  They  shall  be  lowered  immediately,  sir,"  the  skipper  said. 
44  Clear  them  away,  Mr.  Spadem,  and  tell  the  second  mate,  who 
is  on  board,  to  be  sure  and  get  hold  of  some  running  rigging  and 
a  few  spare  sails.  Be  lively,  or  they  may  burn  up." 

44  Does  he  mean  the  crew,  or  the  sails  ?  "  whispered  Jack. 

44  You  Pepper,"  cried  the  mate,  4C  go  back  to  the  ship  with  the 
boat,  and  tell  Mr.  Lance  to  keep  his  eyes  open  for  stores. 
Star^t  yourself." 

The  boat's  crew  did  not  wait  for  a  second  order.  We  pulled 
with  a  will,  for  we  saV  that  no  time  was  to  be  lost,  and  when  we 
arrived  alongside  I  saw  Mr.  Lance  standing  on  the  rail,  as  though 
he  had  been  looking  for  us. 

4k  What  kept  you  so  long,  Pepper?"  he  asked.  "  Didn't  you 
know  that  the. fire  overhead  was  trying  our  brains  out?" 

u  The  skipper  don't  care  for  brains,  sir,"  answered  Jack,  who 
was  spokesman  on  all  occasions.  44  He  only  wants  rigging  and 
sails." 

u  In  God's  name  give  him  what  we  have  on  deck,"  exclaimed 
Captain  Starboard.  44  They  are  of  no  use  to  us." 


THE   PET   DOG.  73 

"  Let  us  first  save  your  effects  and  the  dunnage  of  the  men," 
Mr.  Lance  said,  dryly.  u  I  don't  think  they  should  be  lost  for 
the  sake  of  a  few  yards  of  canvas  or  a  few  fathoms  of  rope." 

u  The  skipper  is  all  ready  for  you,"  said  Jack,  mounting  to  the 
deck.  u  He  has  ordered  a  gallon  of  switchel  to  be  made,  and  the 
bread  barge  to  be  filled.  His  heart  has  expanded  like  a  grain  of 
i  ice  after  a  long  soak  in  water." 

"  Silence,  sir,"  cried  Mr.  Lance,  sternly.  "  Your  tongue  runs 
too  fast." 

"  I'll  clap  a  stopper  on  it,  sir,"  answered  Jack. 

"  And  keep  it  stoppered  for  the  rest  of  the  night.  Now,  then, 
Captain  Starboard,  let  me  have  your  chests  and  valuables  passed 
down,  for  we  have  not  much  time  to  lose." 

The  captain  would  have  remonstrated ;  but  as  the  chests  of  the 
master  and  mates  were  on  deck,  Mr.  Lance  seized  upon  them,  and 
calling  some  men  to  his  aid,  commenced  lowering  them  into  the 
boat,  and  by  ther  time  the  first  one  was  lauded  the  rest  of  the 
Sally's  boats  were  alongside.  The  men  worked  with  a  will.  The 
fire  was  creeping  down  the  masts  and  stays,  and  there  was  no 
telling  how  soon  the  spars  would  fall,  and  crush  us  in  their  ruin. 
We  had  got  all  the  chests  into  the  boats,  and  some  valuable  arti- 
cles, when  the  second  mate  gave  the  order  to  embark. 

"  Whar's  the  captain's  sails  and  rigging?"  asked  Jack. 

"  We  have  no  time  for  them ;  my  life  is  more  valuable  than  a 
coil  of  rope,"  the  second  mate  answered. 

"  The  skipper  won't  think  so,"  muttered  Jack. 

"  Shove  off,  lads,  and  pull  ahead,"  shouted  Mr.  Lance.  "  Be 
lively,  for  there  is  no  time  to  lose." 

Our  boat  was  just  moving,  when  a  shrill  yelp  was  heard  upon 
the  deck  of  the  burning  vessel. 

u  Hello  !  what  is  that?"  the  second  mate  asked. 

"  It  is  the  girl's  dog.  It  is  too  late,  poor  brute,"  Captain 
Starboard  said. 

u  No  time  for  dogs  now,"  Mr.  Lance  exclaimed.  "  Pull  ahead, 
and  get  your  oafs  out ; "  for  the  men  had  paused  for  a  moment, 
when  they  heard  that  a  living  animal  was  on  deck. 

That  moment's  pause  decided  my  course.  I  thought  how  the 
fair  Julia  would  mourn  for  her  lost  pet.  As  the  boat  was  drawing 
ahead,  I  made  a  spring  at  the  fore  chains,  and  reached  the  chan- 
nel before  Mr.  Lance  could  open  his  mouth. 


74  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Come  back,  you  Pepper,"  he  roared. 

I  did  not  stop,  but  jumped  on  deck,  and  ran  aft  to  the  cabin, 
and  at  the  door  I  saw  a  King  Charles  spaniel,  which  was  howling 
for  its  mistress  most  pitifully,  and  yet,  owing  to  the  fire,  did  not 
dare  venture  upon  deck.  As  I  advanced,  the  brute  retreated  into 
the  cabin,  which  was  now  full  of  smoke,  so  that  I  could  not  see 
him  ;  yet  a  low  whine  which  it  uttered  guided  me,  and  I  at  last 
laid  hands  upon  the  animal,  and  rushed  to  the  fore  chains  through 
a  sheet  of  falling  fire. 

"  Pepper  !  "  I  heard  the  second  mate  roar,  just  as  I  reached  the 
rail. 

"Ay,  ay,  sir;  here  I  am/  I  answered.  "Shove  off.  All 
right.  The  dog  is  safe." 

"  You're  a  fool,"  the  second  mate  said,  as  the  boat  was  pushed 
clear  of  the  side. 

"  I  suppose  I  am,  sir,  and  for  proof  of  it,  I'm  here,"  I 
answered  calmly. 

"  I  think  if  the  dog  had  belonged  to  me,  the  youngster  would 
not  have  gone  for  it,"  said  Captain  Starboard.  "  Is  it  not  so?" 

"  I  love  a  dog,"  I  answered. 

"But  you  love  a  pretty  girl  more.  Hey!  how's  that?"  the 
captain  asked. 

I  was  silent,  and  was  fondling  the  dog. 

"  There  goes  the  mainmast,"  cried  the  second  mate. 

"  It  almost  breaks  my  heart  to  see  the  ship  thus  destroyed," 
muttered  the  captain,  drawing  his  hand  across  his  eyes,  as  though 
fearful  of  showing  some  signs  of  weakness. 

"  Give  way,  men,"  Mr.  Lance  cried  ;  and  we  pulled  for  the 
Sally. 

As  the  boat  started,  the  flames  burst  through  the  deck  of  the 
Sea  Hawk,  and  raged  more  fiercely  than  ever ;  and  a  sad 
sight  it  was  to  every  one  in  the  boat,  to  see  so  gallant  a  ship 
consumed  by  such  a  powerful  foe.  We  pulled  alongside  in  silence, 
and  found  that  Captain  Bunker'  was  on  deck  with  Mr.  Cherington 
and  his  daughter.  They  had  been  watching  the  destruction  of 
the  Sea  Hawk  with  such  deep  feelings  of  regret^  that  no  words 
escaped  them  to  show  their  grief.  Bunker  hastened  towards  the 
unfortunate  captain,  as  I  thought,  to  welcome  him.  I  was  mis- 
taken. He  had  more  selfish  ideas  than  that. 

"  I'm  sorry  for  you,"  he  said ;  "  but  I  hope  you  saved  your 
chronometer,  'cos  mine  is  not  a  reliable  one." 


CAPTAIN  BUNKER'S  MISTAKE.  75 

Captain   Starboard   looked  at  the  man  as  though    somewhat 
astonished. 
. "  One  of  the  men  is  holding  it  in  the  boat,"  he  said,  at  length. 

Captain  Bunker  rushed  to  the  gangway  in  a  hurry. 

"  Don't  jar  that  chronometer,"  he  shouted  ;  "  I  want  to  use  it." 

Just  at  that  moment  I  was  coming  up  the  steps,  with  the  dog 
under  one  arm,  and  the  skipper  thought  I  had  the  instrument. 

"  Here,  Pepper,  let  me  have  it,"  he  said  ;  and  he  reached  out 
his  hands. 

I  handed  the  animal  towards  him  ;  but  the  spaniel  did  not  like 
such  a  transfer,  and  growled  fiercely. 

"  What  in  the  d 's  name  is  that?  "  he  asked,  starting  back 

in  alarm. 

"  A  dog,  sir." 

"  Pitch  it  overboard.     I  want  no  dogs  here." 

44  O,  no ;  don't  do  that,"  cried  the  young  lady,  hastening 
towards  us.  u  It's  my  pet  —  my  Romey.  I  would  not  have  lost 
him  for  anything.  O,  how  glad  I  am  that  you  saved  him  !  " 

44  O,  if  the  dog  belongs  to  you,  I've  no  more  to  say,"  the 
captain  growled.  "  I  don't  like  dogs,  unless  they  is  big  ones,  and 
bites  the  men  when  they  won't  work." 

44  O,  Romey  won't  bite  any  one,"  the  lady  said. 

The  captain  turned  away  to  question  Mr.  Lance  respecting  the 
amount  of  plunder  which  he  had  secured,  and  the  lady  and  her 
pet  were  moving  aft,  when  Mr.  Cherington  laid  his  hand  softly 
upon  his  daughter's  arm. 

44  One  moment,  my  child.  Captain  Starboard  tells  me  that 
this  young  man  perilled  his  life  for  the  sake  of  the  dog ;  and  he 
should  be  thanked  for  it." 

She  turned  towards  me,  but  I  could  not  stand  there  and  be 
thanked  by  a  lady,  when  I  felt  that  I  was  inferior  to  her  in  posi- 
tion, just  at  that  time.  I  dodged  around  the  mainmast,  and  went 
forward  just  as  Jack  was  coming  to  find  me. 

In  the  morning,  the  captain  and  Mr.  Cherington  made  their 
appearance  upon  deck,  and  the  father  greeted  his  child  most 
affectionately,  and  mutual  inquiries  were  made  respecting  the 
manner  in  which  the  night  had  been  passed,  and  then  the  skipper 
and  the  merchant  walked  aft. 

44 1  don't  know  what  I  shall  do  with  all  the  folks  on  board," 
Captain  Bunker  said,  after  a  pause.  44  I'm  afeard  my  grub  will 
give  out  afore  I  can  land  all  of  'em." 


76  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  There  certainly  should  be  no  fear  jof  starving  on  board  of  a 
whaleship,"  replied  Mr.  Cheringtou,  "  and  as  far  as  the  crew  of 
tke  Sea  Hawk  is  concerned,  you  can  laud  them  at  St.  Catherine's, 
or  speak  some  ship  homeward  bound.  They  don't  want  to 
double  Cape  Horn  fo**  nothing,  and  I'm  certain,  that  Captain 
Starboard  would  like  to  return  to  Boston  as  soon  as  possible." 

"And  what  do  you  propose  to  do?"  asked  the  captain. 

"  If  I  can  make  a  bargain  with  you  to  laud  my  child  and  my- 
self at  one  of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  I  will  do  so,"  was  the 
answer.  "  I'm  willing  to  pay  a  round  sum  to  be  set  on  shore  at 
Honolulu." 

44  How  much?  "  and  the  red  eyes  of  the  captain  flashed. 

"  I  will  give  you  five  hundred  dollars." 

"  It's  a  bargain  ; "  and  Captain  Bunker  mentally  calculated  how 
much  of  the  sum  would  come  into  his  pocket. 

I  must  confess  that  the  instant  the  bargain  was  closed  I  felt 
so  elated,  that  I  gave  the  wheel  a  turn,  and  up  into  the  wind  came 
the  Sally,  and  her  sails  were  nearly  taken  aback.  Joy,  I  thought, 
is  mine,  for  little  Julia  will  remain  on  board  until  I  am  ready  to 
leave  the  ship. 

"  You  Pepper,"  roared  the  captain,  "  where  are  you  going 
with  the  ship?  Mind  your  eye,  or  I'll  jump  at  yer." 

About  a  week  after  we  had  saved  the  crew  of  the  Sea  Hawk,  a 
sail  was  raised  off  our  lee  bow,  standing  to  the  north'ard.  We 
supposed  that  it  was  some  craft  bound  for  the  States,  from 
Brazil,  and  so  we  edged  away  to  speak  to  her,  and  see  if  we 
could  put  Captain  Starboard  and  his  men  on  board.  While  we 
were  keeping  off  a  couple  of  points,  Mr.  L/ance  came  forward. 

44  Come,  men,"  he  said,  u  who  wants  to  send  letters  home?" 

No  one  answered,  excepting  Will,  and  he  dove  into  the  fore- 
castle to  scribble  a  letter  to  his  mother. 

"  Come,  Pepper,"  the  second  mate  said,  in  his  usual  friendly 
manner,  "  your  folks  want  to  know  what  you  are  doing,  and  you 
had  better  write." 
.1  was  silent,  although  I  felt  a  choking  sensation  in  my  throat. 

44  Come,  boy,  go  below  and  write  a  good  long  letter  to  mother, 
who  loves  you,  I  have  no  doubt." 

I  made  no  answer ;  but  I  was  about  to  turn  away,  when  I 
looked  up  and  saw  that  Mr.  Cherington  was  regarding  me  most 
attentively. 


A   LETTER    FOR   HOME.  77 

u  I  am  trying  to  get  the  youngster  to  write  home  to  his 
friends,"  said  Mr.  Lance ;  "  but  he  seems  to  think  that  he  has 
been  ill  used  in  some  way,  and  don't  want  to." 

"  I  hope  the  young  man  has  no  such  feeling  as  that.  If  he 
has,  I  am  much  mistaken  in  his  face,  for  it  does  not  look  as 
though  capable  of  neglecting  a  mother's  love,"  Mr.  Cherington 
replied. 

"  And  you  are  not  mistaken,  sir,  in  that,"  I  answered.  "  I 
love  my  mother  dearly,  and  my  father  also,  although  we  did  part 
in  anger." 

"And  don't  your  parents  know  where  you  are?"  Mr. 
Cheringtou  asked. 

"  I  think  not,"  I  answered. 

"  This  is  not  the  proper  way  of  treating  them,  my  lad,"  he 
said,  with  a  grave  shake  of  his  head.  "  Go,  my  boy,  and  write 
them  an  affectionate  letter ;  and  tell  them  that,  with  the  blessing 
of  God,  you  will  return  to  them  some  day  with  a  better  heart." 

"  My  heart  is  good  enough  now,"  I  replied. 

"  Then  the  head  is  at  fault,  and  I  like  that  better.  But  go. 
You  have  no  time  to  lose." 

I  went  towards  the  forecastle,  and  as  I  did  so,  I  heard  Mr. 
Lance  say,  — 

"  He  shouldn't  have  tried  his  luck  on  board  a  whale  ship. 
He's  a  good  boy,  and  I  like  him,  but  he  don't  make  a  clean  breast 
of  his  troubles."  • 

I  sat  down  by  my  chest,  and  wrote  a  letter  to  my  father  and 
mother,  telling  them  where  I  was,  and  what  I  had  done,  and  the 
reason  for  my  course.  I  also  told  them  of  the  few  incidents  that 
had  transpired  since  I  had  shipped  on  board  the  Sally.  I  said  that 
I  was  well,  and  almost  contented,  but  that  if  I  was  at  home  I  would 
no  longer  object  to  entering  the  counting-room  of  my  father,  and 
doing  all  that  I  could  to  promote  his  prosperity.  Of  my  mother 
I  asked  a  thousand  pardons  for  the  course  which  I  had  taken,  and 
hoped  that  a  few  months  would  restore  me  to  her  arms.  I  folded 
my  letter  just  as  I  heard  the  watch  on  deck  backing  the  main- 
topsail. 

"  Where's  your  letter,  Pepper?"  cried  the  second  mate  from 
the  deck. 

u  One  moment,"  I  answered  ;  and  then  directing  it  to  my  father, 
I  ran  up  the  steps,  and  found  that  we  were  lying  within  a  cable's 


78  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

length  of  the  ship  Brandon,  bound  for  Boston,  from  Rio,  and  that 
the  captain  of  the  vessel  had  agreed  to  take  Captain  Starboard 
and  the  crew  of  the  Sea  Hawk  as  passengers  to  Boston,  the  more 
willingly  as  the  Brandon  was  short  of  men. 

"  Go  and  give  your  letter  to  the  captain,  Pepper,"  the  mate 
said.  "  He  is  just  about  to  close  the  mail-bag.  Be  lively." 

"Where  is  he?" 
.    "In  the  cabin." 

"  Perhaps  he  wouldn't  care  to  see  me  there,"  I  said. 

"  O,  don't  bother  with  your  'haps." 

I  entered  the  cabin  with  the  letter  in  my  hand.  Around  the 
table  were  seated  the  captain,  Mr.  Cherington,  Mr.  Starboard, 
and  Julia.  They  were  busy  over  some  papers,  and  a  letter-bag 
was  lying  before  them. 

"  Well,  Pepper,  what  is  it?"  asked  Captain  Bunker,  glancing 
up  from  his  letters. 

" 1  would  like  to  send  this  letter  home,"  I  answered. 

"Home!  Have  you  got  a  home?"  he  asked.  "  Why,  home 
is  a  fool  to  this  place.  Pitch  the  letter  down  here." 

I  laid  the  letter  upon  the  table,  and  Mr.  Cherington  took  it  up, 
and  looked  at  the  subscription,  and  then  at  me,  in  surprise. 

"  What  relation  are  you  to  Samuel  Allspice  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  am  his  son,  sir,"  I  answered. 

"  Is  it  possible  ?  Julia,  my  dear,  you  recollect  we  spent  sev- 
eral days  at  Mr.  Allspice's  house,  just  after  this  young  gentleman 
left  home,  and  you  remember  what  a  search  was  made  for  him." 

"  Why,  surely,  papa,  this  can't  be  Charles?  " 

"  That  is  my  name,"  I  said,  with  a  burning  face. 

"  Why,  your  poor  mother  nearly  went  insane  at  your  disap- 
pearance. You  wild  boy,  what  did  induce  you  to  leave  such  a 
pleasant  home  ?  " 

u  I  hardly  know,"  I  answered,  lowering  my  eyes  under  the  ear- 
nest gaze  of  Miss  Julia. 

"  Well,  who  is  the  fellow?  "  asked  Captain  Bunker. 

"  Why,  he  is  the  only  son  of  Mr.  Samuel  Allspice,  one  of  the 
most  successful  merchants  of  Boston." 

"  O,  indeed,"  grunted  Captain  Bunker.  "Take  a  'seat, 
Pepper." 

"  Why,  what  makes  you  call  him  Pepper  ?  "  asked  Julia,  with 
a  smile. 


A    CHANCE   FOR   HOME.  79 

"  'Cos  'tis  short,  aud  I  thought  it  was  his  name,"  replied  the 
master. 

I  did  not  take  the  seat  that  was  proffered  me,  but  stood  near 
the  cabin  door. 

"  Allspice,"  cried  Captain  Starboard ;  "  why,  I  know  Allspice. 
He's  a  friend  of  mine.  He's  one  of  the  salts  of  the  earth.  That 
youngster  is  his  only  child.  This  is  no  place  for  him.  Come, 
Bunker,  let  him  go  home  with  me.  You  shan't  lose  by  it,  I'll 
warrant  you." 

Had  it  not  been  for  Julia,  how  my  heart  would  have  leaped  at 
such  a  suggestion,  and  how  I  should  have  prayed  for  deliverance 
from  the  Sally  and  the  bondage  under  which  I  suffered.  But  my 
doubts  were  soon  removed,  for  Captain  Bunker  spoke. 

"  I  can't  spare  any  of  my  crew,"  he  said.  "  I'd  do  a  favor  for 
Allspice  as  quick  as  I  would  for  another  man,  but  you  see  I  must 
look  after  my  owner's  interest." 

The  old  fox  was  waiting  for  an  offer  for  my  release. 

"  Come,  let  the  boy  go  home  with  me,"  said  Starboard.  "  I'll 
see  that  you  are  paid  for  it  when  you  get  back." 

"  If  my  voice  has  any  influence,"  said  Mr.  Cherington,  "  I 
should  certainly  say,  let  him  go  by  all  means.  He  is  an  only 
child.  Think  of  that,  Captain  Bunker." 

I  don't  know  how  they  would  have  decided  the  question,  but  I 
thought  that  Julia  looked  a  little  sober  at  the  prospect  of  a  sepa- 
ration, and  that  made  me  firm  and  determined  to  remain. 

"I  have  shipped  for  the  voyage,"  I  said,  "  and  I  think  that  It 
will  stay  on  board.     I  want  to  see  the  world,  and  I  don't  suppose 
that  I  shall  have  a  better  chance." 

I  thought  that  Captain  Bunker's  face  lengthened,  and  that 
Julia's  face  brightened.  » 

"  O,  Rorney,"  cried  the  enthusiastic  girl,  "  you  are  not  to  lose 
your  friend,  after  all ;  "  and  she  pressed  the  dog's  head  to  her  bosom, 
and  rewarded  me  with  a  smile  which  made  my  heart  beat 
most  wildly. 

"  Julia !  "  said  the  father,  in  a  tone  of  reproof. 

Captain  Starboard  smiled.  The  old  salt  read  my  heart  as 
though  it  were  an  open  book. 

"  After  all,"  he  said,  "  I  think  that  it  will  be  best  to  let  the 
youngster  remain.  He  may  as  v/ell  sow  his  wild  oats  on  board  a 
whale  ship  as  to  sow  them  on  land.  You'd  better  take  him  aft, 


80  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Bunker,  and  let  him  have  what  clothes  he  wants  from  the  slop- 
chest,  and  send  the  bill  to  his  father.     If  he  don't  pay  it,  I  will." 

This  was  a  proposition  that  suited  me,  for  if  I  lived  in  the 
cabin,  I  could  see  and  speak  with  Julia  every  day.  But  if  I  left 
the  forecastle,  the  crew  would  no  longer  respect  me,  and  I  should 
have  to  give  up  the  company  of  Jack,  Jake,  and  Will.  I  confess 
that  I  liked  the  lady  more  than  all  three,  but  I  wanted  to  stand 
well  with  the  crew. 

"  I  s'pose  I  might  take  the  lad  aft/'  Captain  Bunker,  remarked, 
after  a  pause. 

"  But  I  don't  want  to  come,"  I  said  ;  "I  had  rather  stay  where 
I  am  for  the  present." 

Julia's  eyes  looked  a  little  reproachful,  as  I  thought. 

u  Perhaps  the  lad  is  right,  after  all,"  said  Mr.  Cherington. 
"  He  wants  to  be  independent  and  free  in  the  forecastle,  and  he 
could  not  be  in  the  cabin." 

"  Why,  papa  !  And  stay  in  that  place,  where  they  smoke  pipes 
'all  day,  and  night,  too  ?  "  cried  Julia. 

"  There  are  worse  things  in  the  world  than  a  pipe,  my  dear, 
and  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  Allspice  used  one  himself 
sometimes." 

The  old  gentleman  had  caught  me,  one  morning,  smoking  a  pipe 
on  the  forecastle,  and  enjoying  it  also. 

"  I  don't  believe  that  Mr.  Allspice  would  do  such  a  thing," 
Julia  said. 

44  The  boats  are  all  ready,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Spadem,  entering  the 
cabin.  "  We  have  got  the  traps  on  board,  and  now  they  are  wait- 
ing for  the  passengers." 

"  We  will  be  ready  in  a  moment,"  replied  Captain  Starboard, 
and  the  mate,  after  looking  at  me  in  astonishment,  not  knowing 
why  I  was  detained  in  the  cabin,  went  on  deck. 

u  I  shall  take  charge  of  your  letter,  Allspice,"  Captain  Star- 
board said,  "  and  hand  it  to  your  father  as  soon  as  I  arrive.  Be  a 
good  boy,  and  you  will  find  that  salt  water  won't  hurt  you  any." 

This  seemed  to  close  the  conference,  and  I  went  on  deck ;  but  I 
almost  regretted  my  resolution  to  remain,  when  I  saw  the  neat 
merchant  ship  lying  within  a  cable's  length  of  us,  freshly  painted, 
and  looking  as  trim  as  a  man-of-war.  Presently  the  party  came 
from  the  cabin  and  walked  to  the  gangway,  and  Miss  Julia  with 
them.  Captain  Starboard  started  to  enter  the  boat,  but  stopped 
and  looked  around. 


O,   WHAT   A   CHANGE.  81 

"  Come  here,  Allspice,"  he  said ;  "  I  must  shake  hands  with 
you  before  I  go." 

The  crew  looked  and  wondered,  while  I  went  up  to  the 
captain. 

"  There  is  time  for  you  yet  to  think  of  going  home,"  he  cried. 
"Will  you  come?" 

I  looked  at  Julia,  and  shook  my  head. 

"  It  is  all  right,  my  boy,"  he  said  in  a  whisper.  "  I  don't 
blame  your  choice,  but  I  shouldn't  care  about  staying  here  if  I 
could  help  it.  Take  care  of  yourself,  and  I  hope  that  your  father 
will  have  a  daughter-in-law  before  he  knows  it." 

He  squeezed  my  hand,  smiled,  and  was  gone. 

Some  of  our  men  jumped  into  the  rigging  and  cheered,  and  the 
crew  of  the  merchant  ship  answered  it,  and  then  our  boats 
returned  and  were  hoisted  up,  and  the  two  ships  kept  on  their 
separate  courses. 

"  Send  Pepper  aft,"  I  heard  the  mate  cry  from  amidships. 

I  went  aft,  and  there  I  found  Captain  Bunker,  who  received 
me  with  a  sweet  smile. 

"  Pepper,"  he  said,  "  I  don't  think  that  you've  got  clothes 
enough.  I've  opened  the  slop-chest,  and  you  can  take  what  you 
like  by  just  giving  me  a  bill  on  your  father." 

I  followed  Bunker  into  the  cabin,  and  selected  such  stuff  as  I 
really  needed,  and  then  gave  a  bill  upon  my  father  for  some  forty 
or  fifty  dollars.  I  carried  my  purchases  forward,  and  was  envied 
by  those  whose  credit  was  not  so  good  ;  but  all  wondered  how  it 
was  that  I  had  so  suddenly  grown  into  favor,  and  the  wonder  was 
still  more  increased  when  the  mate  called  out  to  me  in  the 
afternoon, — 

"  You  Pepper,  go  and  slush  down  the  main-topmast,  and  do  it 
well,  or  I'll  take  the  skin  off  your  back." 

"  Mr.  Spadem,"  said  the  captain,  with  an  air  of  dignity,  "  don't 
put  Pepper  to  such  jobs  as  that  'ere.  Let  some  one  else  do  *em." 

"  O,  very  well^  sir,"  was  the  answer ;  and  the  mate  looked  a 
little  curious. 

"  Mr.  Spadem,"  said  the  captain,  "  Pepper's  father  is  one  of 
the  richest  men  in  Boston.  He's  worth  a  million.  We  discovered 
it  by  accident." 

"  Thunder  !  "  cried  the  mate.  "  I  allers  thought  Pepper  was  a 
little  better  than  the  general  run  of  boys,  he  is  so  smart  and  bright*" 
6 


82  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

*'  I  offered  to  take  him  aft,  and  he  won't  come,"  continued  the 
master. 

"  Ah,  that  lad  wants  to  be  a  sailor.  I  can  see  it  in  him,"  cried 
the  mate,  who  only  that  morning  had  called  me  a  "  swab,"  be- 
cause I  had  not  performed  a  piece  of  work  to  suit  him. 

"I  shall  look  arter  him,  and  see  that  he  wants  for  nothing,  and 
you  had  better  keep  an  eye  on  him,  Spadem,  and  don't  be  hard 
on  him,  if  you  please." 

"  O,  no,  sir.  I  took  a  shine  to  the  lad  the  fust  day  he  came  on 
board." 

The  mate  told  the  second  mate,  the  second  mate  told  the  third, 
the  third  told  the  boat-steerers,  and  the  boat-steerers  told  the  men. 
I  instantly  became  a  lad  of  importance  on  board,  and  instead  of 
being  called  to  slush  down  the  masts,  or  tar  down  the  backstays, 
was  allowed  the  most  dainty  of  jobs,  and  could  stand  leaning 
against  the  foremast  with  my  hands  in  my  pockets,  an  hour  at  a 
time,  and  there  was  no  one  to  haze  me  for  it.  To  be  sure,  Mr. 
Lance  treated  me  just  as  he  always  had  done,  in  a  kind,  fatherly 
manner,  and  made  no  allusion  to  my  position  at  home.  He  was 
too  much  of  a  man  to  do  that ;  and,  faith,  when  he  wanted  a  job 
done,  and  I  was  on  deck,  he  would  call  on  me  to  do  it  just  the 
same  as  ever. 

My  old  friends,  Jack,  Jake,  and  Will,  stuck  as  close  to  me  as 
ever.  They  were  not  in  the  least  envious  of  my  good  fortune  in 
escaping  from  the  dirty  work  on  board  a  whaler,  and  when  they 
heard  that  I  had  refused  to  leave  the  forecastle  for  the  cabin,  they 
chronicled  it  as  a  triumph  of  my  good  sense. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ROLLING  DOWN  TO  HONOLULU. A  PROPOSITION  AND  THE  RESULT. 

AFTER  many  days  of  battling  with  fierce  gales  and  terrible  cold 
and  sleet,  we  passed  Cape  Horn  and  its  dangers,  and  at  length,  to 
our  joy,  caught  the  trade-winds,  and  they  blew  us  towards  Hono- 
lulu, at  a  rate  of  six  knots  per  hour,  which  was  fair  sailing  for  the 


A   DELICATE    NEGOTIATION.  .  83 

•*  ~\« 

Sally.  We  raised  several  school  of  sperm  whale,  and  managed 
to  secure  one  fish  ;  but  as  I  have  already  shown  how  whales  are 
captured  when  they  fight  hard,  there  would  be  no  pleasure  in  de- 
scribing the  taking  of  a  whale  that  submitted  to  its  fate  without  a 
single  struggle.  At  the  time  the  boats  were  lowered,  when  we  were 
fortunate  in  securing  a  prize,  Miss  Julia  was  on  deck,  and  mani- 
fested some  signs  of  uneasiness  ;  and  as  I  happened  to  be  near  her 
when  the  order  was  given  to  clear  away  the  boats,  she  spoke  to  me. 

"  I  hope  you  are  not  going,"  she  said. 

"  O,  but  I  am,"  I  answered. 

"You  will  get  killed,  and  then  what  will  your  mother  say?" 
she  continued. 

"  O,  there  is  not  much  danger,"  I  answered. 

"  O,  but  there  is  ;  and  you  ought  not  to  go.  There's  enough 
without  you." 

"  But  they  have  mothers  also,"  I  answered. 

"  Yes,  I  suppose  so  ;  but  then  you  know  you  are  different  from 
them  ;  "  and  Julia  looked  as  though  she  meant  what  she  said. 

As  we  neared  the  Sandwich  Islands  she  grew  more  friendly, 
and  even  expressed  a  hope  that  I  would  receive  my  discharge 
and  be  allowed  to  reside  at  Honolulu,  a  place  which  she  had  not 
seen  for  five  years,  as  when  a  mere  child,  she  had  been  sent 
to  Mr.  Cherington's  friends,  in  Massachusetts,  for  the  purpose 
of  receiving  a  thorough  education,  or  such  a  one  as  young  ladies 
generally  receive. 

The  evening  before  we  made  land  I  had  a  conversation  with 
Mr.  Cherington  on  the  subject  that  interested  me  so  much. 

u  I  have  bad  news  for  you,  Charles,"  he  said.  "  Captain  Bunker 
is  firm  in  his  refusal  to  allow  you  to  leave  the  ship,  unless  his 
terms  are  agreed  to.  I  have  offered  him  two  hundred  dollars,  to 
be  paid  in  supplying  the  ship  with  refreshments  ;  but  he  rejects  it. 
It  is  hard,  and  far  from  just ;  but  I  am  powerless  to  help  you  un- 
less you  feel  willing  to  sign  an  order  on  your  father  for  five  hundred 
dollars.  I  do  not  advise  you  to,  but  you  can  act  as  you  please." 

"  I  will  not  sign  the  order,"  I  said,  firmly ;  "  not  if  Captain 
Bunker  was  starving  for  the  money.  Make  no  more  offers.  I 
would  not  give  him  one  hundred  dollars  to  release  me." 

"  You  know  your  own  mind  best,"  was  the  reply.  "  In  all  your 
undertakings  I  wish  you  success  for  your  sake  and  your  father's." 

He  pressed  my  haiul  in  a  fatherly  manner,  and  left  me,  and  I 
returned  to  the  forecastle. 


84          A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

The  next  morning  at  daylight  we  found  ourselves  close  in  land, 
and  very  pleasant  it  looked,  covered  as  it  was  with  rich  verdure 
and  stately  cocoa-nut  trees  ;  and  in  each  valley  that  we  sailed  past, 
a  cluster  of  huts  could  be  seen,  with  children  sporting  in  front  of 
them,  and  the  male  portion  of  the  community  lolling  under  trees, 
or  else  bathing  in  the  surf,  which  rolled  and  tumbled  on  the 
beach,  leaving  a  white  line  of  foam  as  far  as  the  eye  could 
jextend. 

At  length  we  rounded  a  point  of  land,  and  braced  up  our  yards  ; 
and  then  we  felt  the  breeze  more  sen'sibly,  acd  the  Sally  laid  over 
to  it  with  her  head  pointing  for  Honolulu,  which  looked  to  me 
like  some  of  our  southern  cities  during  the  summer  months. 

"  Are  we  to  anchor  ?  "  I  asked  of  Mr.  Lance. 

"  No  ;  we  are  to  lay  off  and  on  for  a  few  days,  and  get  a  few 
supplies,  and  then  for  a  long  cruise  for  sperm  whale." 

Here  was  another  hard  blow,  which  made  me  feel  as  though  fate 
was  against  me.  If  we  did  not  come  to  anchor,  I  knew  that 
Captain  Bunker  would  not  permit  me  to  go  on  shore,  for  fear 
I  should  leave  the  ship  in  a  hurry.  While  I  was  thinking  of 
these  things,  Mr.  Cherington,  whose  chests  and  trunks  were  all 
on  deck,  called  me  aft. 

"  Charles,"  he  said,  ';  in  a  few  minutes  we  shall  bid  you  fare- 
well. I  have  asked  Captain  Bunker  to  let  you  go  on  shore  with 
us  ;  but  he  has  refused,  as  I  ^feared  he  would.  I  shall  keep  him 
on  shore  to-night,  and  endeavor  to  soften  him.  I  will  send  you  a 
few  things  on  board  when  the  boat  returns,  and  if  we  never  meet 
again,  think  of  me  sometimes." 

He  pressed  my  hand,  and  then  led  me  to  Julia,  who  was  stand- 
ing near  the  mainmast,  waiting  to  speak  with  me. 

"  I  am  almost  ready  to  cry  with  vexation,"  she  said,  "  at  the 
thought  of  your  not  being  able  to  go  on  shore  with  us.  I  have 
been  planning  such  delightful  times  that  I  can't  bear  to  think  of 
disappointment." 

I  could  only  express  by  my  looks  how  bad  I  really  felt.  I  did 
not  dare  to  trust  my  voice,  for  I  knew  that  it  would  fail  me. 

41  I'll  tell  you  what  to  do,"  Julia  whispered,  putting  her  head 
close  to  mine ;  "  if  I  was  you,  1  would  run  off.  I  would  not 
?tay  here.  Captain  Bunker  is  a  selfish,  unfeeling  man,  and  I 
have  a  good  mind  to  tell  him  so.  There  !  " 

I  was  about  to  turn   away  and  go  forward,  and  hide  myself 


LOOKING  TO  THE  FUTURE.  85 

where  I  could  shed  tears  in  solitude,  when  Julia  laid  her  hand 
upon  my  arm,  and  asked,  — 

"You  will  run  away  —  won't  you,  Charley?" 

"  Hush,  child,"  said  her  father  ;  "  you  must  not  talk  that  way 
to  him.  It  is  wrong  to  advise  any  one  to  desert  from  a  vessel. 
There  is  disgrace  attached  to  it." 

"  But  you  know  that  you  did  the  same  thing,  many  years  ago, 
father,"  Julia  said  with  a  smile. 

The  father  looked  annoyed,  and  commenced  an  examination 
of  his  baggage.  My  eyes  fell  upon  a  case  of  liquor  which  he 
had  brought  from  the  Sea  Hawk,  and  it  struck  me  that  I  could 
make  use  of  it  most  advantageously. 

"  Will  you  give  me  that?  "  I  asked. 

"  Why,  you  don't  drink  liquor  —  do  you  ?  "  the  young  lady  cried. 

"  No.     I  want  it  for  a  particular  object." 

Mr.  Cherington  looked  at  me  for  a  moment,  and  then  he  said 
in  a  low  tone,  — 

"  Take  it,  but  make  good  use  of  it ;  and  I  think  you  will." 

I  seized  the  case,  and  watching  rny  opportunity,  deposited  it  in 
the  forecastle,  where  no  one  could  find  it  readily.  Then  I  re- 
turned to  the  deck  just  as  the  order  was  given  to  back  the  main- 
topsail,  for  we  were  within  a  mile  of  the  snug  harbor  of  Hono- 
lulu, and  could  see  the  stars  and  stripes  flying  from  the  peaks  and 
masts  of  vessels  at  anchor ;  while  numerous  canoes,  with  Sand- 
wich Islanders  in  them,  were  paddling  around  the  shipping,  and 
some  of  them  started  towards  the  Sally. 

"  We  don't  want  any  canoes  alongside,"  cried  Captain  Bunker 
to  the  mate  ;  and  that  worthy  officer  said,  — 

"  Ay,  ay,  sir,"  but  looked  disappointed,  nevertheless. 

The  captain's  boat  was  lowered  ;  but  a  crew  of  Portuguese  were 
selected,  for  the  skipper  supposed  that  they  would  not  desert  as 
long  as  there  was  oil  on  board  ;  and  in  this  he  was  correct. 

Mr.  Cherington's  baggage  was  lowered  into  the  boat,  and  then 
Miss  Julia  shook  hands  with  me,  dried  her  eyes  with  her  hand- 
kerchief, attempted  to  speak,  but  failed,  and  was  then  landed  in 
the  boat. 

"  Good  by,"  said  Mr.  Cherington  ;  and  he  shook  hands  with 
me,  with  a  moistened  eye. 

"  You'd  better  go  with  us,  Pepper,"  said  Captain  Bunker,  as 
he  went  over  the  rail. 


86  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  should  be  pleased  to,  sir." 

"  It  remains  with  you." 

"  I  know  it,  sir  ;  but  I  don't  wish  to  embarrass  my  father.  -It 
would  be  wrong." 

The  captain  did  not  say  another  word.  He  went  over  the  side 
with  a  frown  upon  his  brow,  and  the  boat  shoved  off,  Julia  wav- 
ing her  handkerchief  and  applying  it  to  her  eyes  alternately. 

Even  the  men  felt  sorry  to  see  her  leave  the  ship,  and  some  of 
them  sprang  upon  the  rail,  and  gave  three  hearty  cheers,  for 
which  they  were  sworn  at  by  Mr.  Spadem,  who  had  no  feeling, 
and  thought  that  others  were  like  himself. 

At  length  our  boat  was  seen  returning  from  the  shore,  filled  with 
vegetables  and  fruit ;  and  we  speculated  whether  the  captain  had 
opened  his  heart,  or  Mr.  Cherington  had  made  us  a  gift.  The 
doubt  was  soon  solved,  for  the  men  handed  the  mate  a  letter  from 
our  passenger,  and  in  it  he  said  he  desired  all  hands  should 
share  in  what  he  had  sent  on  board.  I  also  received  a  note  frora 
Mr.  Cherington,  and  in  it  was  some  curious  advice.  He  wrote  :  — 

"  I  don't  approve  of  your  contemplated  expedition  ;  but  I  will  sup- 
pose that  you  have  started.  If  you  should  land  at  Honolulu,  the 
government  would  feel  bound  to  return  you  to  the  ship.  If  you 
should  manage  to  reach  the  south  part  of  the  island,  you  would  find 
plenty  of  villages  and  a  simple  people,  who  would  make  no  ob- 
jections to  your  landing  and  living  in  their  midst ;  but  your  life 
would  be  one  of  idleness  for  many  weeks.  So  I  cannot  recom- 
mend such  a  course,  for  Idleness  is  the  mother  of  Sin.  What- 
ever you  do,  think  well  beforehand,  and  be  sure  and  destroy  this 
letter.  Julia  sends  her  love.  The  poor  child  feels  really  homesick 
at  leaving  the  ship.  I  wish  that  you  were  here  to  dine  with  us. 
Captain  Bunker  will  stop  all  night,  and  will  sail  for  the  sperm 
whaling  ground  to-morrow.  I  send  you  a  few  articles  of  fruit, 
and  to-morrow  will  send  more." 

I  tore  the  letter  into  a  thousand  pieces,  and  threw  them  over- 
board. The  fruit  consisted  of  baskets  of  oranges,  bunches  of 
bananas,  some  tomatoes,  a  box  of  grapes,  and  a  lot  of  eggs. 

"  Well,  Pepper,  your  friends  don't  forget  you,"  said  Mr. 
Spadem,  when  my  presents  were  paraded  on  deck ;  and  I  must 
confess  that  I  felt  a  little  proud  of  tHem.  • 

'*  No,  sir  ;  and  I  trust  you  will  take  a  portion." 

"  No  objections  to  that,  Pepper  ;  "  and  I  gave  him  a  fair  share 


PREPARATIONS     FOR   ESCAPE.  87 

of  the  fruit,  and  carried  the  rest  forward,  and  made  a  dividend 
with  the  crew. 

About  eight  o'clock  I  commenced  rny  preparations  for  an  es- 
cape, although  I  had  not  said  one  word  to  those  whom  I  was 
anxious  should  accompany  me.  I  took  two  flasks  of  brandy  from 
the  case  Mr.  Cherington  had  given  me,  and  carried  them  aft, 
where  I  met  Mr.  Spadem,  who  was  just  thinking  of  "  turning  in." 

"  Well,  Pepper,  what  is  it?"  he  asked. 

"  I've  got  a  little  present  for  you  and  the  rest  of  the  officers," 
I  said.  "  I  didn't  know  but  you  would  like  to  drink  to  *  sweet- 
hearts and  wives'  to-night ;  so  I've  brought  you  a  couple  of  bot- 
tles of  brandy." 

"  You  have  !  "  and  he  reached  out  his  hand  for  them  eagerly, 
as  I  knew  that  he  would,  for  Mr.  Spadem  was  rather  fond  of  a 
glass,  when  it  didn't  cost  him  anything. 

He  took  the  liquor  and  went  into  the  cabin,  and  in  a  few  min- 
utes I  heard  the  mates  seated  around  the  table  and  drinking  with 
refreshing  rapidity. 

Then  I  went  forward,  and  found  Jack  and  Jake  on  the  top- 
gallant forecastle,  whispering  together. 

"  What's  going  on,  Pepper?"  Jack  asked. 

"  I'll  tell  you,"  I  answered  ;  "  I'm  going  to  leave  the  ship  to- 
night." 

"  I  go  too,  sure,"  said  Jake.     "  Dat  what  we  just  talk  about." 

"  Silence,  you  snow-ball,"  cried  the  white  man.  "  Let's  hear 
his  plans  afore  we  say  anything  about  what  we'll  do." 

"  Go  ahead,  Pepper.     Let's  hear  'em,"  said  Jake. 

"  At  eight  bells,  or  after,  when  it's  our  watch  on  deck,  we'll 
lower  the  third  mate's  boat,  and  start  for  the  shore.  By  daylight 
we  can  be  out  of  sight." 

"  But  what's  to  be  done  with  the  boat-steerer,  and  the  rgst  of 
the  watch  ?  " 

"  Dose  them  with  brandy  until  they  are  quiet." 

"  I  likes  the  idea,"  said  Jack. 

It  may  not  be  generally  known  to  landsmen  that  in  every  whale- 
boat,  when  equipped  for  service,  is  a  can  of  water,  and  a  can  con- 
taining bread,  a  lantern,  candle,  and  matches,  and  we  thought 
that  with  a  few  additional  articles,  we  should  have  enougli  to  last 
us  for  some  days,  even  if  we  could  get  no  food  at  the  numerous 
villages  on  the  south  part  of  the  island.  We  deemed  it  best  to 


88  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

be  on  the  safe  side,  however,  and  we  collected  a  second  can  of 
water,  a  kid  of  beef,  a  bag  of  bread,  the  sail  belonging  to  the 
boat,  and  then  "  turned  in,"  knowing  that  we  should  be  called,  at 
eight  bells,  to  stand  our  watch  on  deck. 

My  excitement,  however,  was  too  great  to  permit  me  to  sleep  ; 
and  I  lay  and  listened  to  the  striking  of  the  bell  until  twelve 
o'clock,  when  I  was  called  and  went  on  deck,  where  Jack  and 
Jake  joined  me,  and  in  a  few  minutes  Sam  and  a  Portuguese 
made  their  appearance,  and  then  the  boat-steerer,  "  Bushy,"  who 
had  charge  of  the  watch,  came  on  deck,  yawning  and  rubbing  his 
eyes. 

u  What  do  you  want  up  here?  "  asked  Jack  of  the  Portuguese. 
u  Go  below  and  turn  in.  No  one  wants  you.  There's  nothing 
to  do." 

The  Portuguese  hardly  knew  what  to  do ;  but  Jack  made  a 
playful  kick  at  him,  and  he  went  down  the  steps  in  a  hurry,  and 
we  saw  no  more  of  him. 

u  Heave  ahead,"  whispered  Jack.  "  Bait  Sam  with  a  stiff 
horn,  and  then  give  Bushy  a  dose." 

I  went  below  and  got  a  bottle  from  the  case,  and  poured  into  a 
tin  pot  about  half  a  pint  of  raw  brandy,  and  then  called  Sam 
into  the  forecastle. 

"  I  don't  want  Jack  to  know  that  I've  got  the  liquor,"  I  said, 
"  for  he  would  want  some.  If  I  give  you  a  drink,  will  you  turn 
in,  and  not  come  on  deck,  so  that  he  can  smell  your  breath?  " 

"  Sartin.     Here  goes." 

He  put  the  tin  pot  to  his  lips  ;  and,  as  I  expected,  he  did  not 
take  it  away  until  its  contents  were  nearly  gone.  He  smacked 
his  lips,  and  then  retreated  to  his  bunk ;  and  that  was  the  last  we 
saw  of  him  that  night. 

After  seeing  Sam  disposed  of,  I  took  my  bottle  and  went  on 
deck,  arid  at  the  scuttle  I  found  Jack  and  Jake,  both  listening  to 
hear  how  I  succeeded. 

"  Now  try  Bushy,"  whispered  Jack.  "  He'll  take  a  pint  at  one 
gwig,  and  never  wink  at  it." 

I  went  aft,  and  found  the  boat-steerer  leaning  over  the  rail, 
gazing  at  the  land,  which  was  astern,  and  lighted  up  by  numer- 
ous fires  on  the  sides  of  the  mountains.  He  looked  up  and  saw 
who  was  near  him,  and  then  resumed  his  easy  position. 

u  You  must  be  dry,"  I  said.  "  The  officers  in  the  cabin  had 
some  punch,  and  why  shouldn't  you  ?  " 


LOWERING   THE    BOAT.  89 

"  'Cos  I  ain't  got  it ;  that  is  the  reason  why,  Pepper,"  Bushy 
said  ;  and  he  laughed  a  little. 

I  held  up  the  case  bottle  and  shook  it,  and  Bushy's  eyes 
opened  to  their  fullest  extent.  '  . 

"  Taste  it ;  "  I  said. 

He  put  the  bottle  to  his  lips,  and  before  he  drew  breath  about 
half  a  pint  of  liquor  was  lost  to  this  world  forever. 

"  Ah,  that  is  the  best  that  I've  had  since  I  left  New  Bedford/' 
Bushy  said. 

.     "  Try  some  more,"  I  replied ;  and  I  handed  him  the  bottle  a 
second  time,  after  making  a  faint  show  of  drinking  myself. 

u  Well,  I  will.  Now,  this  is  kind  of  you,  Pepper.  I  didn't 
expect  it.  You  and  me  will  be  chums  hereafter ;  and  if  you 
wants  anything,  come  to  me." 

Once  £iore  the  bottle  was  put  to  his  mouth,  and  the  fluid  dis- 
appeared rapidly  ;  and  then  I  induced  him  to  take  a  seat  on  the 
hen-coop,  and  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour  he  was  inclined  to  go  to 
sleep,  yet  continued  talking  and  struggling  against  the  feeling.  I 
gave  him  one  more  dose,  and  that  settled  him.  I  stole  to  the 
cabin  door,  and  listened.  Every  sleeper  in  the  cabin  seemed  to 
be  snoring. 

"  Put  the  sail  in  the  boat,"  I  said. 

"  It's  in,  and  the  grub  with  it.  We  fixed  it  while  you  was 
yarning  with  Bushy,"  Jack  said. 

"  Then  you  and  Jake  lower  the  boat,  while  I  get  in  to  unhook 
the  tackles.  An  inch  at  a  time,  remember ;  for  we  must  not 
make  any  noise." 

Two  or  three  times  Jack  and  Jake  held  on  to  the  falls  and 
ceased  lowering  for  the  purpose  of  listening,  but  no  one  seemed 
disturbed  or  awakened.  At  length  the  boat  touched  the  water, 
and  I  unhooked  the  tackles  ;  and  as  I  did  so  I  heard  Will's  voice 
on  deck,  and  then  my  friend's  head  was  thrust  over  the  rail. 

"  Charley,"  he  said  in  a  whisper,  "I  don't  think  this  is  fair. 
You  might  have  told  me  what  you  were  going  to  do.  I  wouldn't 
have  peached." 

"  We  can't  yarn  here  all  night,"  Jack  said.  "  Go  below, 
and  don't  show  your  head  on  deck  till  morning.  We  is  off;  so  no 
more  noise." 

"  Well,  then,  let  me  go  with  you,"  pleaded  Will.  "  I  ain't 
happy  here,  and  I  don't  want  to  stay." 


90  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  hesitated,  for  I  knew  that  Will  was  the  support  and  hope  of 
a  widowed  mother ;  but  before  I  could  say  a  word,  the  boy  was 
in  the  boat,  and  Jack  and  Jake  followed  him. 

"  Shove  off,"  I  said,  in  a  whisper  ;  and  the  boat  dropped  astern^ 
and  the  ship  slowly  forged  ahead,  and  left  us  in  her  wake. 

"  Out  with  the  paddles,"  whispered  Jack.  • 

We  had  five  paddles  in  the  boat,  for  the  purpose  of  paddling 
upon  whales  during  calm  weather,  when  the  use  of  oars  would 
have  galled  the  animals.  These  we  got  out ;  and  keeping  in  the 
wake  of  the  ship,  we  stole  quietly  towards  the  shore.  For  fifteen 
minutes  we  worked  hard,  without  speaking ;  and  then  the  hull  of 
the  Sally  grew  dim,  and  we  stopped  a  moment  to  rest  and  get  out 
our  oars. 

"  There,  they  can't  see  us  now,  or  hear  us,"  said  Jack. 
"  What's  the  next  move  ?  "  $ 

He  looked  to  me  for  advice. 

"  We  will  head  in  shore,  and  then  pull  along  the  land  till  day- 
light. If  we  can  find  a  good  place  to  beach  the  boat,  we'll  do  so  ; 
and  keep  quiet  until  night,  when  we  can  continue  our  journey  un- 
til we  reach  the  extreme  south  part  of  the  island,  where  we  shall 
be  safe  until  the  Sally  leaves  the  coast." 

"  Why  not  keep  moving  all  day  ?  "  asked  Will. 

"  Simply  because  the  captain  will  inform  the  authorities  at 
Honolulu  that  four  of  his  men  have  escaped,  and  he  will  offer  a 
reward  for  our  capture." 

"  Well,  Fs  for  Pepper's  plan ;  so  out  oars,"  said  Jack ;  and 
each  of  us  took  one  and  commenced  pulling. 

"  I  have  suspected  something  of  this  for  some  time,"  Will 
remarked.  "  I  laid  in  my  bunk,  Charley,  and  saw  you  dose  Sam 
with  liquor,  and  I  knew  what  it  was  for." 

"  Did  you  put  any  of  the  stuff  in  the  boat?  "  asked  Jack. 

"  Not  a  drop,"  I  answered. 

He  sighed,  and  was  silent  for  a  moment. 

"  Fm  glad  of  it,"  he  said,  at  length.  "  I  shouldn't  have  been 
contented  unless  I  had  a  swig  at  the  bottle,  and  one  swig  would 
have  been  just  ballast  enough  for  a  cargo.  I'll  stick  to  water, 
and  swear  that  it's  equal  to  rum." 

We  pulled  on  in  silence  for  an  hour ;  and  at  last  got  under 
the  land,  and  out  of  sight  of  the  Sally.  Then  we  changed  our 
course,  and  pulled  along  the  coast  until  daylight,  when  we  began 


COOKING   BREAKFAST.  91 

to  look  about  us  for  a  safe  place  to  land  and  remain  during 
the  day. 

We  pulled  in  shore,  and  at  length  saw  a  small  cove,  formed  by 
a  reef  which  extended  some  few  fathoms  from  the  land,  and  over 
which  the  surf  broke  with  mournful  murmurs,  as  though  weary 
of  its  incessant  labor.  The  beach  was  covered  with  white  sand, 
and  looked  inviting  after  our  long  pull.  Scarcely  a  ripple  broke 
upon  it,  and  we  determined  to  land  there.  As  we  pulled  along 
we  saw  quite  a  number  of  fish  around  the  rocks,  and  then  Jake 
grinned,  and  held  up  a  fish-line  which  he  had  in  his  pocket. 

"  You  don't  cotch  dis  child  widout  a  fish-line,"  he  said  ;  "  and 
ef  I  don't  take  a  mess  of  dem  beauties,  'tis  'cos  I  don't  know  how 
to  get  'em  ; "  and  so  earnest  was  he,  that  he  begged  we  would  wait 
for  him  one  moment,  while  he  tried  his  luck.  Jake  baited  the 
hooks  with  a  piece  of  salt  pork,  and  threw  them  over  the  side  of 
the  boat.  Before  they  had  sunk  near  the  bottom  there  was  a  rush 
towards  them,  and  Jake  hauled  up  two  red-colored  fish,  of  the 
cod  species,  each  one  weighing  about  a  pound  and  a  half. 

"  Told  you  so,"  cried  Jake.  "  Dis  nigger  ain't  cotched  floun- 
ders in  New  Bedford  for  nothin' ;  "  and  over  went  the  hooks  again, 
and  with  a  like  result ;  and  Jake  grew  insane  with  delight,  and 
wanted  to  shout  in  triumph ;  but  we  choked  him  into,  quietness, 
and  after  he  caught  about  a  dozen  fish  we  would  not  wait  any 
longer,  and  pulled  for  the  shore.  As  we  neared  the  beach,  we 
saw  that  there  was  a  narrow  creek  on  the  larboard  side,  which 
looked  as  though  large  enough  to  hold  our  boat,  and  conceal  it 
entirely  unless  the  cove  was  entered.  In  went  our  boat,  and  was 
secured  to  a  tree ;  and  then  we  landed  and  climbed  up  the  steep 
banks  to  see  if  there  were  any  houses  or  huts  near  us.  We 
searched  till  sunrise,  and  could  find  none ;  but  we  did  discover 
a  small  stream  of  water,  as  clear  and  cool  as  iced  Cochituate,  and 
we  had  a  fresh-water  wash  before  we  returned  to  the  boat. 

Then  Jake  put  his  skill  into  requisition.  He  produced  a  frying- 
pan,  which  he  had  stolen  from  the  ship's  galley ;  and  while  one 
of  us  commenced  cleaning  the  fish,  the  negro  built  a  fire,  and 
soon  had  some  salt  pork  frying,  and  after  it  was  finished  in  went 
the  fish ;  and  the  prospect  of  breakfast  was  good,  when  Jack 
produced  a  sauce-pan  and  a  box  of  ground  coffee,  all  stolen  from 
the  Sally.  Will  and  myself  ran  to  the  spring  for  fresh  water, 
and  while  on  our  way  we  discovered  a  banana  tree,  laden  with 


92  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

ripe  fruit.  After  breakfast  we  took  our  hatchets  and  cut  down 
some  trees  and  bushes  and  covered  the  boat  with  them,  so  that  it 
could  not  be  seen  readily,  even  if  any  one  should  enter  the  cove. 
Then  we  lighted  our  pipes,  and  retired  back  into  the  country  a 
short  distance,  and  went  to  sleep  under  the  shade  of  a  cocoa-nut 
tree.  I  was  awaked  by  hearing  voices,  speaking  in  kanaka 
dialect.  I  awakened  my  companions,  and  we  crawled  to  a  point 
of  observation,  and  saw  a  canoe,  containing  half  a  dozen  natives 
anchored  just  inside  of  the  surf,  fishing ;  but  one  thing  was  cer- 
tain :  they  did  not  haul  in  piscatorial  treasures  as  fast  as  Jake  had 
done,  and  the  negro  noticed  it,  and  commented  on  the  same. 

"What  dat  fellow  know  'bout  kotching  fish?  Look  at  'em 
jerk  when  'em  get  a  bite.  Dat  ain't  de  way  to  fish.  De  boys  in 
New  Bedford  all  laugh  if  dose  black  fellows  kotch  flounders  dat 
way.  I  like  to  go  and  show  'em." 

But  we  refused  to  allow  him  to  move,  and  we  remained  con- 
cealed, watching  the  movements  of  the  natives  for  two  hours,  or 
more,  when  o-ne  of  the  men  pointed  in  the  direction  of  Hon- 
olulu, and  said  something  in  a  rapid  tone,  and  then  seizing  their 
paddles,  they  started  up  the  coast. 

We  waited  for  some  Jfew  minutes  in  our  place  of  concealment, 
then  hearcj^  the  sound  of  oars ;  and  one  of  the  Sally's  boats  hove 
in  sight  with  Captain  Bunker  in  the  stern-sheets.  How  cross 
he  looked !  so  much  so  that  Will,  who  was  lying  by  my  side, 
fairly  trembled  and  turned  pale  with  apprehension.  The  skipper 
glanced  suspiciously  at  the  cove,  and  ordered  his  men  to  stop  row- 
ing ;  and  when  he  spoke  I  saw  that  Mr.  Spadem  was  with  him, 
carrying  a  double-barrelled  shot  gun  in  his  hand,  as  though  he 
was  out  on  a  hunting  excursion,  as  I  had  no  doubt  he  was. 

"  That  looks  like  a  place  where  they  would  land,"  said  the 
captain,  his  voice  raised  so  that  we  could  hear  him  above  the 
roar  of  the  surf. 

Mr  Spadem  glanced  at  the  cove,  and  shook  his  head. 

"  No,  sir,  they  wouldn't  land  there,  'cos  they'd  expose  the  boat. 
I  don't  believe  they  came  this  way.  They  would  be  more  likely 
to  steer  for  Oahu.  If  they  had  come  here,  the  fellers  in  that 
canoe  would  have  seen  'em." 

The  captain  remained  silent  for  a  moment,  and  then  turned  the 
head  of  the  boat,  and  pulled  towards  Honolulu.  We  climbed  a 
hill,  and  saw  that  there  was  no  danger  of  Captain  Bunker  turning 


FRIGHTENED    FEMALES.  93 

back,  and  then  cooked  our  dinner  in  high  glee  at  our  success,  thus 
far,  in  avoiding  our  enemies. 

At  dusk  we  again  embarked  in  our  boat,  and  as  there  was  a 
fair  wind,  we  set  sail  and  steered  along  the  coast,  keeping  well 
out  at  sea,  to  avoid  sunken  reefs  and  rocks.  At  daylight  we 
found  that  we  were  at  the  extreme  southern  end  of  the  island ; 
so  we  pulled  in  shore,  and  looked  for  a  place  to  land.  We  saw 
no  huts,  and  thought  it  best  to  beach  the  boat,  and  remain  quiet 
for  a  few  days.  We  picked  out  a  good  place,  and  landed,  and  then 
used  our  oars  for  rollers,  and  hauled  the  boat  up  high  on  the 
beach.  Then  we  covered  her  with  brushwood,  and  made  it  ap- 
pear as  though  it  was  some  that  had  drifted  upon  the  beach.  After 
this,  we  lighted  our  fire,  and  had  a  substantial  breakfast,  and  then 
retired  into  a  cocoa-nut  grove,  where  we  went  to  sleep. 

We  were  awakened  by  voices ;  and  starting  up,  I  saw  six 
females,  natives  of  the  island,  near  the  grove,  with  baskets  in 
their  hands,  filled  with  oranges  and  bananas.  They  were  all 
young,  too,  with  light-colored  faces,  long  black  hair,  and  bright 
eyes  and  white  teeth.  I  went  forward,  and  as  their  backs 
were  towards  me,  I  was  within  a  few  fathoms  of  them  before  they 
heard  my  steps.  Then  they  looked  around,  but  instead  of  rush- 
ing towards  me  and  giving  me  a  hearty  welcome,  as  I  had  reason 
to  expect,  they  uttered  shrill  screams,  and  fled  like  frightened 
deer,  jumping  over  fallen  trees  and  uneven  ground  as  nimbly  as 
though  trained  in  a  gymnasium  for  the  express  purpose  of  show- 
ing their  agility ;  and  so  much  did  they  hurry,  that  they  did  not 
stop  to  take  their  baskets  with  them,  and  thus  all  the  fruit  which 
they  had  collected  fell  into  our  hands.  I  rejoined  my  companions 
with  a  mortified  air ;  and  the  rascals,  instead  of  thanking  me  for 
attempting  to  open  communication  with  the  village,  openly  reviled 
me  for  failing  to  obtain  a  parley. 

"  It's  jist  as  I  'spected,"  said  Jack.  "  You  set  a  boy  to  do  a 
thing,  and  he  spiles  it." 

"  I  should  hab  been  de  chile  to  talk  wid  'em,"  said  Jake.  "  If 
dey  had  seen  dis  nigger  comin',  dey  wouldn't  hab  run,  'cos  I's  jist 
dere  color,  and  dey  think  me  one  ob  'em." 

"  Your  hair,  Jake,  is  rather  curly  for  a  kanaka,"  cried  Will. 

Jake  ran  his  fingers  through  his  wool,  and  acknowledged  that 
it  did  kink  a  little  ;  but  he  accounted  for  it  on  the  ground  that  he 
had  uot  used  a  comb  for  a  few  days  past. 


94  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

We  were  at  the  extreme  southerly  end  of  the  island,  and  near 
some  village  —  that  was  evident.  The  question  was,  would  the 
natives  make  us  prisoners  and  send  us  to  Honolulu,  or  keep  us? 
It  would  take  a  canoe  two  days  to  reach  Honolulu,  against  wind 
and  tide,  and  we  rather  thought  that  the  Sally  would  not  wait  so 
long  to  hear  from  us.  Jack  was  in  favor  of  launching  the  boat, 
and  starting  for  some  other  island ;  but  to  that  proposition  Will 
and  Jake  were  opposed,  and  I  did  not  like  it ;  so  we  voted  that 
down  in  short  time.  Jake  proposed  that  we  should  go  fishing,  and 
fill  the  boat  with  fish,  and  offer  them  to  the  natives  as  a  bribe  ;  but 
as  there  was  only  one  line,  and  that  Jake  wanted  to  use,  the  plan 
was  not  adopted,  to  the  intense  disgust  of  my  colored  friend,  who 
retired  from  the  conference,  and  went  to  sleep.  We  were  about 
to  do  the  same  thing,  and  wait  for  events,  when,  looking  up,  I  saw 
some  thirty  natives,  armed  with  clubs  and  hatchets,  winding 
round  the  base  of  the  hill,  and  advancing  towards  us  ;  and  follow- 
ing them  were  about  fifty  women,  all  dressed  alike,  but  not  all 
young  and  handsome. 

Our  first  impression  upon  seeing  the  natives  was  to  take  to  our 
heels  ;  for  we  could  not  help  remembering  that  on  some  of  the 
islands  white  men  had  been  eaten,  and  esteemed  a  luxury.  But  I 
assured  the  men  that  I  thought  there  was  no  danger,  and  that  if 
any  one  was  to  be  eaten  it  would  be  me,  on  account  of  my  tender 
years.  Therefore  we  maintained  our  position,  and  awaited  the 
approach  of  the  natives,  who  advanced  in  solemn  silence,  an  old 
white-haired  man  at  the  head  of  the  delegation ;  and  from  the 
deference  which  his  followers  paid  him,  I  supposed  that  he  was 
a  chief. 

"  Look  at  dat  old  woman,"  said  Jake.  "  She  got  her  eye  on 
<lis  child,  and  I  tink  dat  she  mean  to  eat  me  for  sure." 

"  Be  quiet,"  I  said.     "  The  old  man  is  going  to  speak." 

The  procession  halted  about  eight  fathoms  from  us. 

"  Ouri  miti  kanaka"  said  the  chief. 

"  What  in  thunder  does  he  mean  by  that?  "  Jack  cried. 

"  Speak  English,"  I  said,  advancing  a  few  steps  towards  the 
chief. 

The  chief  consulted  with  one  of  his  counsellors,  and  presently 
a  young  fellow  stepped  forward,  and  the  people  raised  a  murmur, 
as  much  as  to  say,  u  Now  you  will  see  something." 

"  Say,"  cried  the  young  fellow,  with  an  oratorical  flourish  of 
his  hands  and  a  smiling  face. 


A   CONFERENCE.  9t5 

The  crowd  took  up  the  cry,  and  all  shouted,  "  Say,"  and  then 
they  laughed.  People  don't  laugh  when  they  contemplate  eating 
human  beings.  My  hopes  of  a  peaceable  settlement  revived. 

"  Say,"  shouted  the  young  man,  and  then  he  stopped. 

"  Say,"  repe  ite^  the  native^,  and  crowded  closer  around  us. 

"  That  makes  twice  you've  said  it,"  muttered  Jack. 

"  Say,  where  come,  hey  ?  "  the  young  kanaka  continued,  and 
his  friends  all  shouted,  "  Ha,  ha  —  houri,  houri"  and  then  nod- 
ded their  heads  numerous  times. 

I  pointed  in  the  direction  of  the  water.  The  women  clapped 
their  hands. 

u  Say,  when  come  ?  "  asked  the  interpreter. 

"  This  morning,"  I.  answered. 

I  must  have  said  something  witty  in  those  two  words,  for  th& 
natives  repeated  them,  with  every  variety  of  jntonation,  anJ 
then,  forgetful  of  their  fears,  crowded  around  us  without  much 
ceremony. 

"  Say,  what  do?"  said  the  interpreter. 

"  Stay  here,"  I  answered. 

As  soon  as  the  young  kanaka  had  repeated  the  words  to  the 
chief,  and  the  latter  to  the  people,  there  was  an  immense  amount 
of  talking.  The  old  veteran  dug  his  fist  into  the  side  of  his  in- 
terpreter, and  the  latter  once  more  opened  fire. 

"Say,  where  boat?"  he  asked. 

I  pointed  to  the  beach,  and  the  chief  intimated  that  we  would 
confer  a  favor  if  we  would  lead  the  way  and  show  where  the 
boat  was  concealed.  I  led  the  party,  followed  by  the  young 
ladies,  who  seemed  to  think  that  they  had  some  claim  upon  me,  in 
consequence  of  first  discovery.  We  continued  on  until  we  reached 
the  beach,  and  tore  away  the  brush-wood  which  we  had  piled 
around  the  boat.  Then  there  was  a  shout,  and  the  old  women 
howled  louder  than  all  the  rest. 

4>  Ugh,"  grunted  the  chief;  and  his  eyes  brightened  as  they  fell 
Upon  the  hatchets,  knives,  and  harpoons  which  the  boat  con- 
tained. I  took  a  hatchet  and  knife,  and  handed  them  to  the  chief, 
ear*  the  old  man  spoke  a  few  words  to  the  interpreter. 

"  Say,"  said  the  latter,  "  this  him?"  pointing  to  the  articles. 

u  Yes,  all  for  him,"  I  replied. 

"When  this  was  known  there  went  up  a  shout,  and  the  young 
^'lies  crowded  around  me.  The  chief  slipped  the  hatchet  in  the 


96  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

bosom  of  his  shirt,  and  put  the  kuife  in  a  belt  which  he  wore 
around  his 'waist.  The  rest  of  the  natives  looked  wishful ;  so  we 
gave  to  one  a  harpoon  and  to  another  a  lance,  until  the  whole  stock 
•was  exhausted.  One  hatchet  I  kept,  and  a  knife  I  gave  to  the 
interpreter,  which  pleased  him  so  intensely  that  he  muttered  his 
thanks  in  such  a  mixture  of  broken  English  and  kanaka  Hugo,  that 
there  was  no  understanding  him. 

Then  the  chief  pointed  in  the  direction  of  the  village,  and  the 
interpreter  said,  "  Come,"  and  we  started,  the  women  clustering 
around  us  and  manifesting  many  tokens  of  kindness  ;  and  the 
chief  did  not  evince  any  desire  to  rebuke  such  conduct.  A  ten 
minutes'  walk  brought  us  to  the  village,  which  contained  about 
sixty  huts,  and  were  nestled  in  a  valley  that  was  surrounded  by 
cocoa-nut  trees,  and  orange  and  banana  trees,  the  fruit  on  them 
hanging  ripe,  and  large  quantities  on  the  ground,  having  dropped 
off,  and  were  lying  uncared  for.  Near  each  hut  waS  a  patch  of 
cultivated  land,  on  which  were  growing  yams,  potatoes,  and  other 
vegetables,  and  before  each  door  was  a  brood  of  chickens  and  a 
few  ducks.  The  houses  were  thatched  to  keep  out  the  wet,  and 
looked  neat  and  comfortable.* 

We  went  directly  to  the  chief's  house  ;  the  inside  of  which  we 
found  furnished  with  a  raised  platform,  covered  with  a  bullock's 
hide,  and  seemed  intended  for  a  bedstead.  Around  the  walls 
were  spears,  paddles,  and  sharks'  teeth,  and  also  a  few  sperm 
whale  teeth ;  the  latter  evidently  highly  prized  from  the  manner 
in  which  they  were  polished.  There  was  no  floor,  but  the  earth 
was  beaten  smooth,  and  even  polished,  with  constant  use.  There 
were  no  chairs,  but,  as  a  substitute,  grass  mats  were  spread  in 
various  parts  of  the  room ;  and  to  these  the  chief  pointed,  and 
motioned  for  us  to  make  ourselves  at  home.  We  squatted  down, 
and  the  natives  followed  suit,  in  the  open  air,  however,  as  no  one 
but  a  young  lady,  whose  attentions  I  was  disposed  to  suffer  with- 
out rebuke,  followed  us  into  the  house.  The  young  girl  lounged 
on  the  bed,  and  looked  at  us,  and  laughed,  and  then  she  said  some- 
thing to  the  chief,  and  he  laughed,  and  then  we  all  laughed.  TL 
interpreter  suddenly  made  his  appearance,  and  after  a  short  con- 
fab with  the  chief,  asked, — 

l-  You  eat?" 

And  he  placed  his  hands  upon  his  stomach,  and  made  hi? 
mouth  move  fearfully. 


MISS    LILLY   IS    INTRODUCED.  97 

"  By  golly,"  cried  Jake,  "  he  mean  dat  he  like  to  eat  us. 
Dat  old  man  got  his  eye  on  me.  But  Fs  tough,  and  he  find  out 
dat  he  better  take  de  younger  ones." 

"  But  you'll  be  first,"  I  suggested.  u  They  always  reserve  the 
delicate  ones  for  the  last." 

.  Jake's  eyes  began  to  grow  large.  To  add  to  the  negro's  terrors, 
tho  chief,  at  that  moment,  laid  his  hand  upon  a  spear,  and  looked 
unusually  grave. 

.  "  Look  ahere,"  cried  the  colored  sailor  j  "  I  don't  stand  dat. 
I's  a  'Merican  sailor,  and  will  fight  like  de  debil  afore  I  let  you 
eat  me." 

"  Be  quiet,  you  fool,  and  don't  cry  out  till  you  is  roasting," 
said  Jack. 

"  It's  all  berry  well  to  say  be  quiet ;  but  I  won't  be  quiet  when 
dey  is  calculating  how  much  fat  I'se  got  on  my  ribs." 

If  we  had  any  doubts  on  the  subject  of  cannibalism  of  the 
natives,  they  were  happily  dissipated  by  the  entrance  of  two  old 
women,  who  brought  in  stewed  yams  and  fish,  a  boiled  chicken, 
and  a  large  basket  of  fruit ;  and  as  the  food  was  set  before  us,  the 
chief  intimated  that  we  were  to  make  a  meal,  and  the  outside 
barbarians  laughed  and  encouraged  us  when"  they  saw  that  we  had 
good  appetites  ;  but  after  we  had  finished  our  first  course,  the 
young  lady — whom  I  had  supposed  to  be  the  chief's  daughter,  and 
whom  I  called  "  Lilly,"  not  on  account  of  her  white  skin,  how- 
ever, but  because  she  was  tall  and  graceful  —  seated  herself  by 
my  side,  and  pealed  an  orange  for  me,  and  insisted  that  I  should 
eat  it.  I  was  not  hungry,  but  I  would  have  swallowed  that 
orange  if  it  had  burst  me.  Then  she  stripped  the  skin  from  a 
banana,  and  offered  me  that ;  and  I  took  it,  and  squeezed  her  hand 
'while  her  father  was  not  looking.  I  think  that  I  should  have 
killed  myself  if  Jack,  who  was  a  little  jealous  on  account  of  my 
popularity,  had  not  said,  — 

"  They're  stuffing  Pepper  to  get  him  fat.  He'll  be  the  fust  one 
they'll  eat." 

I  didn't  believe  him,  but  still  the  remark  made  an  impression 
upon  me,  and  I  refused  to  eat  the  next  delicate  bit  of  fruit  which 
was  offered  by  Lilly,  much  to  her  regret. 

She    had   a    most   bewitching    method    of   tempting    me   with 
oranges,  and  smiling  when   I    refused.     I  thought  that  she  ap- 
peared to  take  pride  in  my  acquaintance,  and  I  am  sure  that  I 
7 


98  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

felt  proud  of  her  notice  ;  and  for  a  while  I  forgot  Julia,  Jenny, 
home,  and  everything  but  the  pleasure  of  leading  a  sort  of  vaga- 
bond life  on  the  island,  doing  as  I  pleased,  and  accountable  to  no 
one.  There  was  no  need  of  wealth  to  find  happiness  where  I 
was.  The  sea  yielded  up  its  treasures  to  supply  the  natives  with 
food  —  on  the  land,  fruit  was  in  season  through  the  year  without 
cost  or  price. 

After  the  chief  had  seen  that  we  were  not  inclined  to  eat 
more,  he  motioned  for  us  to  rise,  and  started  for  the  door ;  but 
Lilly  stopped  him,  and  spoke  eagerly  for  a  few  seconds.  I  saw 
the  chief  cast  his  eyes  upon  me,  and  therefore  I  suppose  that  the 
conversation  was  regarding  my  welfare.  He  nodded  his  head, 
and  called  the  interpreter  to  explain  ;  which  that  grinning  individ- 
ual did  in  a  brief  manner. 

"  You,  here,"  he  said,  and  intimated  that  I  was  to  remain. 

My  companions  were  motioned  towards  the  door  ;  and  as  they 
went  they  had  some  few  words  of  encouragement  for  me. 

"  Good  by,  Pepper,"  they  said.  "  If  the  old  fellow  eats  you,  we 
hope  you'll  lay  hard  on  his  stomach,  and  give  him  the  nightmare." 

4t  The  same  to  you,"  I  responded  ;  and  off  they  went,  the  chief 
leading  and  the  crowd  following,  as  before. 

I  felt  a  little  lonely  at  thus  being  separated  from  my  compan- 
ions, but  I  rightly  imagined  that  it  was  only  to  find  them  quarters 
during  their  stay  in  the  village,  and  that  no  harm  would  come  to 
them  or  to  me  while  we  were  apart.  My  friend  Lilly  remained 
behind,  and  intimated  that  I  might  lie  on  the  frame  and  go  to 
sleep  if  I  wished,  and  I  liked  the  idea,  for  the  heat  began  to  grow 
oppressive.  I  filled  my  pipe,  but  before  lighting  it  considered 
it  would  only  be  proper  to  express  my  gratitude  to  the  young 
lady.  As  I  knew  no  heathen  method  of  doing  so,  I  thought  that 
I  would  try  the  civilized.  Therefore,  while  the  young  lady  was 
watching  my  motions  with  much  curiosity,  I  advanced,  and  put 
my  arm  around  her  waist,  and  kissed  her  before  she  could  re- 
cover from  her  supprise  ;  the  next  moment  I  got  a  clip  on  the  ear 
that  rather  startled  me ;  and  before  I  could  account  for  it,  the 
young  lady  ran  from  the  house  laughing,  as  though  she  had  per- 
petrated a  good  joke,  and  knew  how  to  appreciate  it.  I  lay  down 
upon  the  bench  and  smoked,  and  went  to  sleep  ;  I  dreamed  that 
I  had  been  elected  chief  of  the  village,  that  I  had  married  Lilly, 
and  was  to  be  tattooed  with  all  the  ceremonies,  as  soon  as  a  suffi- 


A   LITTLE   WALK.  99 

cient  quantity  of  ink  and  fish-bones  could  be  obtained.  And  upon 
that  I  awoke,  and  found  that  Lilly  was  seated  by  my  side,  fanning 
me,  and  keeping  the  flies  at  bay. 

"  Well,  Lilly,"  I  said,  taking  her  hand,  and  fearing  that  she 
would  hit  me  with  it  every  moment,  u  I'm  exceedingly  obliged  to 
you  for  your  kindness,  and  will  do  the  same  for  you  some  day." 

She  did  not  understand  me ;  but  lovers  seldom  do  comprehend 
each  other  until  married.  As  I  felt  much  refreshed  by  my  siesta, 
I  arose  and  walked  to  the  door ;  but  no  one  was  to  be  seen  in  the 
village,  excepting  two  or  three  old  women,  who  were  making 
matting. 

"  Where  have  they  all  gone,  Lilly?"  I  asked. 

She  must  have  understood  me,  for  she  pointed  inland, 

"  Come,  Lilly,  let's  go  and  find  them,"  I  said  ;  and  I  gave  her 
my  hand,  and  like  two  young  lovers  we  wandered  off  together, 
followed  by  half  a  dozen  dogs.  We  went  through  the  village, 
and  entered  the  woods,  and  followed  a  path  which  appeared  to 
have  been  much  used  by  the  natives.  It  was  sheltered  from  the 
sun  by  stately  cocoa-nut  trees,  each  one  of  which  was  disfigured  by 
notches  cut  in  the  trunks  to  enable  the  natives  to  climb  them 
readily,  and  obtain  the  fruit  when  ripe,  or  while  in  that  pulpy 
state  which  resembles  ice-cream  made  of  milk.  Yet  in  spite  of 
the  mutilation  of  the  tree,  they  seemed  to  flourish  and  look  so 
stately  that  I  stopped  to  examine  them  Lilly  must  have  supposed 
that  I  was  anxious  to  taste  the  fruit,  for  she  made  signs  that  she 
would  procure  some  for  me ;  and  then  she  put  her  little  feet  on 
the  notches,  and  was  about  to  ascend  a  tree,  when  I  detained  her. 
She  pouted  a  little,  and  then  gave  me  her  hand  again,  and  we 
walked  on,  perfectly  contented  with  each  other.  Suddenly  I  was 
startled  by  hearing  the  most  uproarious  laughter,  with  shrill  yells, 
and  an  immense  amount  of  splashing.  Lilly  instantly  became 
excited.  Her  eyes  brightened,  and  the  rich  blood  mounted  to  her 
cheeks  as  if  the  small  veins  would  burst.  She  hurried  me  along, 
and  in  a  few  minutes  we  came  in  sight  of  a  small  lake,  with 
sandy  shores,  and  fed  by  a  waterfall,  which  gushed  from  between 
two  rocks  at  the  base  of  a  high  hill.  In  the  water,  and  upon  the 
shores  of  the  lake,  were  all  the  young  people  of  the  village,  boys 
and  girls,  men  and  women,  diving,  and  plunging,  and  splashing 
around  like  mermaids,  or  nymphs.  I  was  so  much  supprised  that 
I  dropped  Lilly's  hand,  and  gazed  upon  the  scene  before  jne  in 


100  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

astonishment.  On  one  of  the  rocks,  near  the  falls,  was  seatei  the 
old  chief,  gently  chafing  his  skin  with  a  cocoa-nut  husk,  and  rins- 
ing off  with  water  which  he  dipped  up  in  a  cocoa-nut  shell ;  and 
while  I  was  looking  at  him,  the  old  chap  grinned  at  me,  and  then 
rolled  from  the  rock  into  the  lake  like  a  huge  turtle  from  a  log ; 
and  those  standing  on  the  shore  also  disappeared  in  the  water, 
and  some  remained  under  it  so  long  that  I  thought  they  had  com- 
mitted suicide.  But  I  was  mistaken.  All  reappeared.  Then  I 
missed  Lilly,  and  while  I  was  wondering  what  had  become  of 
her,  I  heard  a  merry  laugh,  and  saw,  near  where  I  stood,  a 
light  form  skimming  through  the  water,  with  scarce  an  effort,  her 
long  black  hair  trailing  after  her,  and  her  arms  glistening  like 
burnished  copper  in  the  sunshine.  It  was  Lilly,  swimming  so 
easy  and  graceful  that  I  envied  her  power.  I  grew  interested 
in  the  scene,  and  walked  around  the  lake  until  I  reached  the 
rocks  near  the  waterfall ;  and  there  at  my  feet  sported  the  grace- 
ful Lilly,  laughing  and  blowing  water  at  me,  and  shouting  for 
me  to  join  her.  -But  I  refused,  and  she  pouted  and  spattered  me, 
and  then  dove  and  disappeared  from  sight ;  and  when  she  came 
to  the  surface,  she  raised  her  arms  towards  me  imploringly,  aud 
her  face  assumed  an  aspect  of  terror. 

"  Good  Heavens,"  I  thought ;  "  perhaps  she  has  got  the  cramp, 
and  will  drown." 

No  one  noticed  her,  so  I  shouted  to  the  natives  to  go  to  her 
assistance ;  but  they  laughed  at  me,  and  continued  to  spatter  each 
other  with  water,  and  in  the  mean  time  Lilly  seemed  to  be 
drowning.  She  stretched  out  her  arms  towards  me,  and  appealed 
for  help.  I  kicked  off  my  shoes,  and  off  the  rock  I  went,  head 
first ;  but  the  instant  I  laid  my  hands  upon  Lilly,  she  slipped  from 
my  grasp,  and  down  she  went  towards  the  bottom.  I  took  a  long 
breath  and  followed  her ;  but,  although  the  water  was  clear,  I 
could  see  nothing  of  her,  so  was  compelled  to  come  to  the  sur- 
face ;  then  I  felt  a  hand  laid  upon  my  head,  and  I  had  just 
time  to  catch  a  view  of  Lilly's  face,  when  down  I  went  again, 
the  jade  having  rewarded  my  devotion  by  ducking  me.  She  had 
shammed  that  she  was  drowning  for  the  sake  of  getting  me  into 
the  water.  I  can  hardly  understand  how  another  person  would 
have  felt  in  my  place,  surrounded  by  some  forty  water  nymphs, 
each  one  as  clamorous  to  have  a  hand  in  ducking  me  as  Lilly 
herself.  I  know  that  I  looked  upon  the  matter  as  a  stupendous 


A    FROLIC    IN   THE    WATER.  101 

joke.  I  turned  for  the  beach,  when  one  of  the  amiable  young 
ladies  seized  me  by  the  feet,  and  down  she  went  under  water,  and 
I  with  her.  I  kicked  and  freed  myself  from  her  grasp,  and  rose 
to  the  surface,  and  struck  out  for  the  shore.  Then  two  girls 
ranged  alongside,  and  intimated  that  I  must  put  my  arms  aiound 
their  necks,  and  that  they  would  help  me.  As  they  looked  seri- 
ous, I  trusted  them,  and  was  willing  to  encourage  their  humanity  ; 
but  I  haol  hardly  put  my  arms  around  their  necks  than  they  sud- 
denly settled,  and  down  I  went  with  them.  I  must  confess  that, 
encumbered  as  I  was  with  clothes,  I  began  to  feel  tired,  and  de- 
sired no  longer  to  contend  with  the  swimming  girls  of  the  Sand- 
wich Islands,  whose  power  of  endurance  in  the  water  far  exceed- 
ed mine.  I  struck  out  for  the  shore,  and  Lilly  followed  by  my 
side.  I  crawled  up  the  beach,  and  the  natives  received  me  with 
many  good-natured  grins,  and  one  of  them  ran  and  brought  my 
shoes  and  helped  wring  the  water  from  my  shirt  and  pants ;  and 
then  Lilly,  whose  toilet  was  soon  made,  motioned  towards  the 
village,  and  we  walked  in  that  direction.  We  went  to  Lilly's 
home,  where  I  changed  my  clothes,  having  taken  the  precaution 
to  carry  off  with  me  a  bag  full  of  garments  when  I  left  the  ship. 
Then  I  started  to  look  up  my  shipmates,  whose  absence  I  began 
to  miss. 

u  Lilly,"  J  said,  u  I  want  to  see  my  shipmates.  Where  are 
they." 

She  shook  her  head,  and  showed  her  small,  white  teeth,  and 
looked  so  wishful  at  not  being  able  to  understand  me  that  I  com- 
menced explaining  in  pantomime  what  I  meant ;  and  my  gestures 
must  have  been  expressive,  for  she  took  my  hand  and  led  me  to 
the  outskirts  of  the  village,  and  pointed  to  a  house  which  looked 
as  though  it  had  long  been  deserted.  I  walked  up  to  it,  and  glanced 
in,  and  there  saw  my  shipmates  lying  upon  mats  and  smoking 
their  pipes  with  an  expression  of  contentment  that  showed  they 
were  suffering  no  great  hardship. 

"  Hullo,  Pepper !  they  haven't  eaten  you  yet,"  the  men  said, 
when  they  saw  me  enter  alone,  for  Lilly  remained  outside. 

"  No,  but  they  nearly  drowned  me,"  I  replied. 

I  had  to  explain  to  them  the  scenes  through  which  I  had 
passed. 

"  You  see,  arter  we  left  you,"  said  Jack,  "  they  conveyed  us  to 
this  place,  and  said  we  musu't  leave  it  till  we  got  orders  from 


102  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

some  one,  I  don't  know  who.  They  give  us  plenty  of  grub,  and 
we  have  sleep  enough,  but  somehow  I  should  like  liberty  to  go 
where  I  pleased,  and  not  be  cooped  up  here  all  day." 

I  cheered  the  boys,  as  well  as  I  was  able,  promised  to  talk 
with  the  chief  about  their  condition,  and  then  went  home  with 
Lilly,  to  whom  I  endeavored  to  explain  what  I  wanted  by  signs, 
and  I  think  that  she  understood  them.  We  found  the  chief  at 
home,  squatting  near  his  door  and  smoking  a  very  short  pipe,  the 
bowl  of  which  was  carved  by  some  native  artist  with  much  skill. 
The  old  man  looked  up  and  grunted  when  he  saw  me,  but  made 
no  other  sign  of  recognition  or  welcome.  I  lighted  my  pipe,  and 
then  sat  down  beside  him,  and  as  I  did  so  I  forced  into  his  hand 
a  plug  of  tobacco.  As  I  expected,  that  made  his  face  brighten, 
and  he  patted  me  on  the  shoulder,  and  said,  — 

"  Twood,"  which  I  think  was  intended  for  good. 

"  Chief,"  I  said,  "  I  want  you  to  give  my  shipmates  liberty. 
They  have  no  desire  to  escape.  They  like  your  village  too 
well." 

u  Twood,"  he  repeated,  and  shook  his  head  ;  and  thereupon  I 
was  compelled  to  explain  by  signs,  and  with  Lilly's  aid  he  under- 
stood me,  and  intimated  that  he  would  think  of  the  matter. 

At  sundown  an  old  woman,  who  seemed  to  act  as  housekeeper, 
brought  us  some  supper,  and  we  gathered  round  a  calabash  which 
contained  it.  It  was  a  mixture  of  tomatoes,  yam,  and  sweet  po- 
tatoes, with  pieces  of  fish,  not  cooked  enough  to  suit  my  taste. 
Supper  over,  we  lighted  our  pipes,  and  sat  down  at  the  door  of  the 
house,  and  smoked  until  dark,  and  then  my  host'intimated  that  it 
was  time  to  go  to  bed  ;  and  without  further  ceremony  he  lay  down 
on  a  pile  of  mats,  pulled  one  over  his  shoulders,  gave  one  or  two 
kicks,  one  or  two  grunts,  and  was  asleep  in  less  than  five  minutes, 
leaving  me  to  look  at  Lilly  and  wonder  what  I  was  to  do.  I  took 
my  blankets  and  spread  them  upon  a  mat,  and  down  I  went,  and 
lie  there,  staring  at  Lilly,  until  the  room  was  so  dark  that  I  could 
not  see  her ;  and  then  I  went  to  sleep.  Shortly  after  daylight  I 
felt  some  one  pulling  the  blanket  from  my  shoulders.  I  started 
up,  and  saw  that  Lilly  had  made  her  toilet,  which  consisted  in 
ruuning  her  fingers  through  her  hair  and  loosening  the  braids, — 
probably  done  up  the  night  before  after  dark,  so  that  I  should  not 
see  her  operate,  —  and  in  giving  her  simple  garments  a  fresh  hitch 
over  her  shoulders.  —  And  such  shoulders  as  they  were  !  —  full. 


A   LITTLE    L(VE    MAKING.  103 

> 

round  and  polished,  with  not  a  bone  to  be  seen  to  mar  the  sym 
1     metry,  or  a  blemish  as  large  as  a  mole  to  grieve  the  sight  of  such 
admirers  of  female  loveliness  as  myself.     The  little  witch  knew 
that  she  was  charming,  and  she  showed  it  by  every  coquettish  act, 
many  of  which   would  have  done  honor  to  the  belle  of  a  ball- 
room.    I  sat  on  the  floor  for  a  few  minutes  looking  at  Lilly  with 
^  so  much  admiration  that  the  girl  put  her  hands  to  her  bosom,  as 
though  to  veil  it  from  my  sight,  and  then  laughed  a  long,  merry 
peal,  which  made  her  father  look  up  from  his  seat  by  the  doorstep. 
"  O,  Lilly,"  I  said,  with  a  sigh,  "  I  have  dreamed  of  you  all 
night." 

And  then  the  little  witch  laughed,  and  mocked  me,  and  danced 
around  me,  with  her  scant  garments  held  in  one  hand,  until 
her  gruff  old  father,  who  didn't  appreciate  such  an  exhibition 
of  personal  charms,  threw  a  potato  at  her  head.  And  Lilly 
picked  up  the  esculent  and  hurled  it  at  her  daddy,  and  it  struck  him 
on  his  grizzly  head,  and  bounded  off  like  an  india  rubber  ball. 
Then  the  chief  smiled,  as  though  Lilly  was  a  pet,  and  could  do  no 
wrong ;  and  I  laughed  so  heartily  that  the  little  beauty  recom- 
menced her  rotary  movements  ;  and  only  stopped  when  she  was 
nearly  breathless  ;  and  then  she  sat  beside  me,  and  leaned  her  head 
upon  my  shoulder.  The  chief  looked  up,  saw  the  position  of  his 
daughter's  head,  saw  my  arm  stealing  around  her  neck,  and  her 
cheek  close  to  mine,  in  loving  embrace,  but  the  old  fellow  only 
grunted  his  satisfaction,  or  dissatisfaction,  and  continued  smoking. 
"  Ah,  Lilly,"  I  whispered,  forgetting  that  she  could  not  under- 
stand me,  "  do  you  know  that  I  love  you  dearly?"  and  the  pres- 
ure  of  my  arm  was  increased  until  her  lips  were  close  to  mine 
and  I  tasted  them.  And  yet  the  old  chief  smoked  on,  and  saw  no 
danger  in  our  dalliance.  She  said  something,  and  then  her  arm 
went  around  my  neck,  her  breath,  fragrant  as  orange  blossoms, 
was  upon  my  cheek,  and  still  the  old  chief  grunted  and  smoked 
on,  his  back  towards  us.  Suddenly  I  heard  a  step,  and  looked  up. 
Standing  in  the  doorway  was  a  native,  tattooed  upon  face  and 
nose,  and  as  ugly  a  specimen  of  humanity  as  could  be  found  in  the 
village,  not  excepting  the  old  women.  I  did  not  recollect  seeing 
him  the  day  before,  and  he  looked  as  though  I  would  make  him 
a  lunch  some  day. 

"  Kamaka  I "  cried  Lilly,  in  surprise,  starting  to  her  feet,  and 
looking  confused. 


104  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Ugh,"  he  grunted,  and  he  gazed  at  me  and  then  at  Lilly,  as 
though  wondering  which  he  should  kill  and  eat  first. 

The  chief  continued  smoking,  and  did-  not  turn  his  head. 

"  Kamaka  is  a  rival,"  I  thought ;  "  he  can't  help  himself,  as  I 
am  better  looking  than  he  is." 

The  reflection  gave  me  some  satisfaction,  and  while  Kamaka 
•was  sulking  I  talked  with  Lilly  in  the  best  kanaka  that  I  could ^ 
master,  and  was  pleased  to  see  that  she  responded  in  a  merry 
tone,  and  neglected  my  rival.  He  sat  on  a  mat  looking  at  us  for 
a  few  minutes,  and  then  walked  off.  After  a  long  smoke  the 
chief  knocked  the  ashes  from  his  pipe,  arose,  and  then  stalked  in 
the  direction  of  the  lake  which  I  had  visited  the  day  before. 

"  Ami  mi"  said  Lilly,  and  held  out  her  hand. 

She  led  me  through  the  village,  and  we  followed  the  route 
which  her  father  had  taken.  . 

u  Are  you  to  have  another  swim,  Lilly?  "  I  asked. 

She  smiled,  and  put  an  arm  around  my  neck. 

"  Do   you    love    me   a   little,  Lilly  ? "    I  asked ;    and  pressed  * 
her  graceful   form  until   she   said   something  which  must  have 
meant  "  yes."     And  on  we  went,  the  sun  shining  upon  our  path, 
and  the  birds  making  music  overhead,  as  though  participating  in 
our  new-born  happiness. 

When  we  reached  home  the  antiquated  specimen  of  woman- 
hood, who  appeared  to  do  the  house-work  for  the  chief,  was  just 
preparing  our  breakfast,  which  consisted  of  a  dish  similar  to  that 
we  had.  for  supper.  The  meal  over,  the  chief  lighted  his  pipe,  and 
commenced  smoking  at  the  door  with  his  back  to  Lilly  and  me. 
Then  we  began  our  love-making,  and  were  progressing  most 
satisfactorily,  when  the  old  fellow  gave  a  grunt,  and  put  away 
his  pipe.  First  he  gravely  arose,  and  took  some  fishing-lines  from 
a  peg,  and  was  about  to  walk  off,  when  I  thought  that  I  would  go 
also.  Lilly  followed  me,  and  thus  we  moved  through  the  village, 
past  the  place  where  my  shipmates  were  confined,  and  who  did 
not  seem  to  be  moving,  to  the  beach,  where,  in  a  narrow  creek, 
floated  the  pride  of  the  village,  the  canoe  owned  by  the  chief. 


A   BIG   BILL.  105 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A   FISHING   PARTY.  THE     OLD    SALLY   IN    SIGHT.  TO   THE 

HILLS. 

WE  entered  the  canoe,  the  chief  at  the  bow  and  Lilly  at  the 
stern,  and  with  a  flourish  of  the  paddles,  we  left  the  shore  and 
steered  for  a  reef  about  half  a  mile  from  the  island.  For  a  few 
minutes  I  sat  under  the  awning,  and  watched  Lilly  ply  her  paddle, 
which  she  managed  so  easily  and  gracefully  that  I  was  lost  in 
astonishment  at  her  proficiency. 

We  paddled  to  the  leeward  of  the  reef,  and  dropped  overboard 
a  stone,  secured  by  a  grass  rope,  which  served  as  an  anchor. 
Here  the  chief  lighted  his  pipe  and  threw  over  his  line,  and  Lilly 
did  the  same.  I  was  not  much  of  a  fisherman,  but  I  determined 
to  try  my  luck.  We  baited  our  hooks,  and  with  lines  made  of 
grass  by  some  native  genius,  threw  them  over  and  waited  for  a 
bite,  and  I  had  one  in  an  unexpected  manner ;  for  Lilty  put  her 
face  to  mine,  and  nipped  me  with  her  sharp  teeth,  until  I  cried  out. 

"  Mild"  said  the  old  chief  with  a  frown,  and  made  motions 
that  I  would  frighten  the  fish  unless  I  kept  still. 

While  I  was  stealing  an  arm  around  Lilly's  waist,  and  she  was 
making  no  objections,  I  felt  a  bite  (not  one  of  the  lady's),  and 
with  a  jerk  I  hauled  in  a  noble  fish,  which  weighed  about  three 
pounds.  The  chief  uttered  a  word  that  must  have  meant  "good," 
for  he  hauled  up  and  examined  his  bait,  and  then  dropped  his  line 
overboard  again,  and  waited  for  luck.  I  grew  excited  over  my 
good  fortune,  and  while  hoping  for  another  bite,  I  felt  a  tremen- 
dous one  — :as  though  a  shark  had  swallowed  hook  and  sinker.  In 
an  instant  I  was  pulling  at  my  line  with  all  the  eagerness  of  an 
»  amateur  fisherman  ;  but  imagine  my  surprise  when  my  pet  Lilly 
lay  down  in  the  bottom  of  the  canoe,  and  laughed  until  her  eyes 
shed  tears.  The  jade  had  jerked  my  line,  and  made  me  suppose 
that  I  had  hooked  a  fish.  The  chief  suffered  a  grim  smile  to  steal 
over  his  tattooed  face,  as  he  uttered  his  favorite  word  "miki;  "  and 
then  he  closed  his  eyes,  and  waited  for  a  bite. 

We  fished  for  an  hour  or  two,  and  then  Lilly  tired  of  it,  and  I 


106  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

tired  of  it,  and  we  lay  down  in  the  bottom  of  the  canoe  ;  and  she 
pillowed  my  head  in  her  lap,  and  ran  her  fingers  through  my  curls  ; 
and  before  I  knew  it  I  was  fast  asleep.  I  was  awakened  by  Lilly's 
calling  out  and  pulling  my  hair  at  the  same  time. 

"  Timi —  timi  I  "  she  exclaimed  ;  and  pointed  up  the  coast. 

About  a  mile  to  the  windward,  coming  down  with  square  yards, 
was  the  old  Sally,  the  most  hateful  object  to  me,  at  that  time,  that 
could  have  appeared.  I  knew  her  by  the  many  patches  on  her 
sails,  by  her  iron-rusted  sides,  and  the  slovenly  manner  in  which 
her  sails  were  set.  I  made  one  bound  to  the  bows  of  the  canoe, 
and  commenced  pulling  up  the  stone  which  anchored  us. 

"  Miki"  said  the  chief,  opening  his  eyes,  and  regarding  me 
with  astonishment. 

"  Miki  or  no  miki,"  I  said,  "  I'm  going  on  shore." 

"  Miki"  he  repeated,  looking  at  his  daughter  with  astonishment. 

I  out  with  a  paddle  and  commenced  making  for  the  nearest 
point  of  land.  Still  the  old  chief  sat  in  the  bow  of  his  canoe,  his 
line  trailing  in  the  water,  and  his  eyes  fixed  upon  me,  too  much 
astonished  to  speak. 

The  ship  would  have  to  pass  outside  of  the  reef,  where  we  had 
been  fishing,  before  she  could  head  for  the  village ;  so  I  thought 
that  I  had  time  enough  to  reach  the  shore  before  I  was  overtaken, 
and  dragged  as  a  prisoner  on  board  of  the  Sally. 

"  Lilly,"  I  said,  "  if  you  have  the  slightest  love  for  me,  now  is 
the  time  to  show  it." 

She  looked  at  me  with  her  large  black  eyes.  Then  she  gazed 
at  the  ship,  and  appeared  to  comprehend  my  position. 

u  Kim  ki  I "  she  exclaimed,  and  took  a  paddle  and  applied  her- 
self to  the  task  of  assisting  me  with  all  her  strength.  And  I 
desire  my  female  readers  to  understand  that  Lilly,  although  slight 
and  delicate-looking,  was  rather  muscular  in  her  arms,  as  I  had 
found  out  when  swimming. 

"  Kim  Id  !  "  she  exclaimed  to  her  father,  who  was  still  lost  in 
astonishment,  and  did  not  know  what  to  make  of  our  actions. 

"  Miki"  he  repeated,  mechanically,  and  then  took  up  a  paddle 
and  aided  us  with  his  skill. 

Over  the  water  we  went,  much  faster  than  I  supposed  the  canoe 
could  be  urged  ;  but  still  the  broadside  of  the  old  Sally  was  fear- 
fully distinct. 

A  few  minutes  more   and  we  were   on  the  beach.     I  left  the 


MAKE    FOR    THE    WOODS.  107 

chief  to  secure  the  canoe,  and  then  retreated  to  a  grove  of  cocoa- 
nut  trees  with  Lilly,  for  the  purpose  of  watching  operations. 

The  Sally  rounded  the  reef,  and  .headed  for  the  shore,  and 
stood  on  until  I  saw  that  Captain  Bunker  was  determined  to  land. 
I  ran  for  the  house,  and  on  ray  way  stopped  to  communicate  infor- 
mation to  my  shipmates,  who  were  all  under  cover,  and  stretched 
upon  the  floor,  smoking  and  sleeping. 

.  "  Run,  boys  !  "  I  shouted  ;  "  for  the  old  Sally  is  close  in  shore, 
a  ad  Bunker  is  after  us." 

I  think  that  Jake  must  have  jumped  at  least  ten  feet,  he  was 
so  frightened. 

"  O,  golly !  "  he  exclaimed  ;  "  dis  nigger  is  a  goner.  Whar 
shall  I  go?" 

"  To  the  hills,"  I  cried.     "  Make  for  the  woods." 

The  men  gathered  up  their  blankets,  and  a  few  articles  which 
they  would  want,  and  started  for  the  woods.  I  saw  them  dis- 
appear, and  then  started  for  the  chiefs  house,  my  friend  Lilly 
keeping  close  to  me  all  the  time.  Hurriedly  I  gathered  up  my 
blankets,  pipe,  and, tobacco,  and  filled  my  pockets  with  oranges 
and  other  fruit,  which  were  abundant.  Then  Lilly  took  the  lead, 
and  led  me  towards  the  lake  where  we  had  bathed. 

Past  the  lake  we  went  at  a  rapid  pace,  and  ascended  a  hill  that 
commanded  a  fine  view  of  the  ocean.  Then  I  looked  back  and 
saw  the  Sally  still  lying  with  her  main-topsail  to  the  mast,  and  a 
boat  pulling  for  the  shore. 

<fc  Ouri"  said  Lilly,  layiflg  her  hand  upon  my  arm  and  pointing 
to  a  higher  hill,  covered  with  a  growth  of  timber. 

u  Ah,  Lilly,  you  don't  want  to  lose  me  —  do  you?"  I  asked  ; 
but  the  little"  coquette  repulsed  the  arm  which  I  attempted  to  put 
around  her  waist,  and  with  one  bound  was  ten  paces  from  me. 
I  grew  a  little  sulky,  and  continued  my  journey  without  noticing, 
apparently,  the  many  arts  which  Lilly  resorted  to  for  the  purpose 
of  attracting  my  attention  and  eliciting  a  smile  from  me.  Sud- 
denly her  large,  black  eyes,  usually  so  full  of  fire,  met  mine, 
and  I  saw  that  there  were  tears  in  them. 

"  Kimini  oh  mihi"  she  murmured ;  and  it  meant,  if  I  under- 
stood the  language  of  eyes,  "  What  have  I  doae  to  oiFead  you?" 

I  put  an  arm  around  her  waist,  and  this  time  there  was  no  resis- 
tance. Once  more  her  eyes  brightened,  and  her  face  was  lighted 
up  with  smiles.  A  stalely  tree,  with  wide-spreading  branches, 


108  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

stood  near,  and  under  it  we  sat  down  to  rest,  like  weary  pilgrims  ; 
and  then  Lilly's  tongue  commenced  working  with  the  rapidity  of 
a  windmill.  She  sang  with  a  sweet  voice  native  songs,  full  of 
fire  at  times,  and  melting  with  love  and  tenderness.  Then  she 
wove  a  chaplet,  composed  of  leaves,  for  my  head,  and  while  I 
was  watching  her  busy  fingers,  she  started  up  and  listened,"  as 
though  shelieard  some  one  approach.  In  an  instant  she  was  at  my 
side,  and  motioning  for  me  to  fly  for  safety ;  and  then  cautiously 
she  led  the  way  to  a  thicket,  where  we  concealed  ourselves.  Hardly 
had  we  done  so  when  I  heard  footsteps,  and  peering  through  the 
bushes,  I  saw  the  kanaka,  who  had  called  at  the  chief's  house  the 
day  before,  and  had  looked  upon  me  with  such  wicked  eyes.  It  was 
Kamaka,  the  tattooed  rascal.  He  passed  by  us,  peering  into  the 
bushes  and  under  the  trees,  and  every  few  paces  stopping  to  listen. 
But  at  last  he  passed  out  of  sight,  and  that  was  a  relief  to  me  as 
well  as  to  Lilly. 

u  M$ki"  she  whispered,  with  a  frown  upon  her  pretty  brow, 
motioning  in  the  direction  of  the  native. 

I  had  learned  enough  of  the  kanaka  language  to  know  that 
that  word  meant  "  bad." 

"  If  that  fellow  is  a  bad  one,  Lilly,"  I  said,  "  we  must  keep  out 
of  his  way  until  the  Sally  sails." 

She  looked  earnestly  at  my  face  while  I  was  speaking,  as 
though  to  understand  my  meaning  by  the  expression  of  my  eyes. 
Suddenly  she  started  to  her  feet,  and,  seizing  my  hand,  made  me 
arise,  I  confess  rather  reluctantly. 

"  Where  are  we  going  now  ?  "  I  asked,  a  little  peevishly,  for  it 
was  very  comfortable  under  the  bushes. 

She  pointed  with  her  hand  in  a  direction  different  from  that 
which  we  came  ;  so  up  the  mountain  we  commenced  our  ascent. 

After  an  immense  amount  of  toil,  we  reached  the  top  ;  and  then 
I  was  amply  repaid  by  the  view  which  was  spread  before  me. 
On  one  side  was  the  ocean,  beating  upon  the  beach.  The  Sally 
still  lay  off  and  on  ;  but  she  now  looked  like  a  bird  reposing  upon 
the  water.  Inland  I  could  see  rich  valleys,  with  cattle  feeding 
in  them,  and  small  streams  meandering  towards  the  ocean. 

For  a  few  minutes  I  stood  and  gazed  upon  the  scene  before  me, 
lost  in  admiration.  But  I  was  recalled  to  myself  by  Lilly,  who 
touched  me  on  the  shoulder,  and  motioned  me  to  follow  her.  Af- 
ter walking  a  few  steps  we  came  to  the  entrance  of  a  cave,  the 


IN   THE    CAVE.  109 

mouth  of  which  had  been   concealed  by  some  bushes,  in  a  very 
careful  manner,  for  what  purpose  I  did  not  know. 

To  show  that  I  had  nothing  to  fear,  Lilly  bent  her  head  and 
entered  the  cave,  and  I  followed  her.  It  was  large  enough  to  hold 
a  dozen  people.  The  floor  was  covered  with  mats,  to  , prevent 
dampness,  and  there  were  many  spare  ones  rolled  up  in  a  corner. 
I  was  overjoyed  at  the  sight  of  my  quarters,  and  I  almost  wished 
that  my  shipmates  were  with  me,  for  the  sake  of  sharing  them. 

But  while  I  was  thinking,  Lilly  was  acting.  She  improvisated 
a  broom  from  the  bushes,  which  were  thick  near  the  cave,  and 
then  commenced  sweeping  out  my  quarters.  I  assisted  as  well  as 
I  was  able,  and  when  we  had  concluded  our  labors  it  was  near 
sundown;  but  still  the  Sally  lay  off  the  village.  I  saw  that  I 
would  have  to  stop  upon  the  mountain  all  night,  and  I  prayed 
that  Lilly  would  remain  to  keep  me  company.  But  as  the  sun 
descended  I  noticed  that  she  made  preparations*  for  going  home. 

"  Lilly,"  I  said,  "  you  won't  have  the  heart  to  leave  me  here 
all  night?" 

But  the  girl  only  smiled  and  held  out  her  hand.  I  made  many 
significant  signs  that  I  did  not  like  the  course  she  was  taking ;  but 
she  was  deaf  to  my  prayers.  I  thought  this  was  desertion  with 
a  vengeance  ;  and  had  I  been  like  some  men  I  should  have  sworn  ; 
but  swearing  would  not  bring  her  back ;  so  1  wisely  took  what 
fruit  I  had,  and  carried  it  to  the  point  which  overlooked  the  vil- 
lage and  the  ocean,  and  there  I  ate  my  supper  and  smoked  my 
pipe,  until  the  sun  had  disappeared.  Then,  feeling  lonely  enough, 
I  retired  to  the  cave  and  lay  down  upon  the  mats,  and  while  I 
was  thinking  of  Lilly,  I  fell  fast  asleep,  and  when  I  awoke  I  heard 
her  voice  singing  one  of  her  favorite  kanaka  songs.  I  started 
up.  It  was  morning,  but  not  sunrise.  I  left  the  cave  in  a  hurry, 
and  saw  Lilly  climbing  up  the  mountain. 

As  soon  as  she  saw  me  she  shouted  out  something  in  her  dia- 
lect, and  pointed  towards  the  water.  I  looked,  and  not  a  sail 
was  in  sight.  I  clapped  my  hands  with  joy,  and  then  rushed 
towards  Lilly  to  embrace  her;  but  she  was  in  one  of  her  coquet- 
tish moods,  and  avoided  me  easily,  until  she  saw  a  frown  gath- 
ering upon  my  brow  ;  and  then  she  came  up  and  lajd  her  hand 
upon  my  shoulder,  and  patted  my  face,  as  though  she  knew  that  I 
was  a  spoiled  boy,  and  must  sometimes  be  petted.  While  I  write 
this,  memory  carries  me  back  to  the  time  when  I  was  free  from 


110  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

care,  with  no  aspirations  excepting  those  of  living  in  a  kanaka 
village  all  ray  life,  and  loving  Lilly ;  and,  as  I  mention  that 
narafe,  all  the  wrongs  which  I  inflicted  upon  her  rise  before  me,  and 
stare  me  in  the  face,  as  though  warning  me  that  some  part  of  my 
punishment  was  yet  to  come.  And  perhaps  I  deserve  it ;  but  I 
can  safely  say  that  Lilly  had  my  love,  as  sincere  as  any  that  I 
ever  knew.  Christians,  or  those  who  call  themselves  Christians, 
men  with  white  faces  and  black  hearts,  have  much  to  answer  for 
iu  the  world  to  come,  when  they  settle  their  Sandwich  Island 
accounts. 

"Lilly,"  I  said,  "has  the  ship  gone?" 

She  nodded. 

"  Did  they  get  any  one?  "  I  asked,  holding  up  three  fingers,  to 
intimate  that  I  meant  my  shipmates. 

"  No,"  she  answered  ;  and  then  she  laughed  and  danced  around 
me,  and  muttered  some  words  which  I  wished  to  understand  for 
her  sake. 

I  put  my  arm  around  her  waist  for  the  purpose  of  steadying 
her  down  the  mountain  ;  but  she  broke  from  me,  and  skipped 
along  before  me.  At  length  we  reached  the  base  of  the  moun- 
tain, and  then  Lilly  took  my  hand,  and  we  started  for  the  house 
of  the  chief,  where  the  old  man  was 'seated,  smoking  his  short, 
carved  pipe.  He  looked  up  when  he  saw  me  approach,  and  a 
smile  ruffled  his  face. 

"No  catche  ye  !  " 

I  looked  at  him  in  astonishment,  never  expecting  to  hear  so 
much  English  from  his  lips. 

"  So  you  can  speak  English?"  I  asked. 

"  Maliki"  was  his  answer. 

"  O,  hang  '  malikij  "  I  said.  "  Speak  English,  for  I  know  you 
can." 

But  the  old  chief  refused  to  open  his  lips,  although  I  asked  him 
a  dozen  questions. 

As  soon  as  we  had  eaten  breakfast  I  started  off  to  find  my 
shipmates.  I  was  compelled  to  call  upon  Lilly,  and  ask  her  aid  ; 
and  after  she  understood  my  meaning,  she  led  the  way  towards 
the  woods  once  more.  We  continued  on  through  cocoa-nut  groves 
and  over  hills  for  some  two  miles,  and  at  last  Lilly  pointed  to 
some  smoke  which  was  curling  in  the  air  from  the  base  of  a  hill. 
Oa  we  went,  and  at  length  I  could  hear  the  voices  of  my  friends. 


A    RETURN   TO   TH£    VILLAGE.  Ill 

I  listened,  while  they  were  discussing  whether  it  was  best  to  re- 
turn to  the  village.  I  suddenly  shouted,  — 

€<  Here  they  are  —  seize  the  runaways  !  " 

Then  I  dashed  towards  the  camp,  and  as  I  did  so,  I  caught 
sight  of  Jack,  Jake,  and  Will,  running  towards  the  bushes  as 
though  for  life. 

The  sight  was  a  little  too  ludicrous  for  me  to  maintain  my 
gravity,  and  I  laughed ;  but  my  shipmates  did  not  stop  or  turn 
round  at  the  sound.  As  I  saw  them  plunge  into  the  bushes,  I 
shouted  to  them  to  stop,  as  there  was  no  one  to  fear.  At  length 
I  saw  Jake's  black  face  peering  at  me,  and  then  the  darky  said,  — 

'*  Darn  dis  nigger  ef  I  didn't  tink  it  was  old  Bunker.  Come 
back,  boys.  'Tain't  nobody  but  Pepper.  Ha,  ha  !  how  dis  child 
was  scared." 

In  a  few  minutes  Jack  and  Will  came  in,  and  the  former 
grumbled,  as  a  matter  of  course. 

"  Where's  the  Sally?"  asked  Will. 

"  Gone,  and  I  hope  will  never  return,"  I  said. 

"  Good  !  "  cried  all  three  ;  and  then  they  told  me  that  they  had 
run  for  half  an  hour  after  leaving  the  village,  the  day  before,  and 
at  length  brought  up  where  I  found  them. 

We  returned  to  the  village,  Lilly  close  by  my  side. 

"  Now  that  the  Sally  has  gone,  what  do  you  propose  to  do?" 
I  asked  of  my  shipmates,  as  we  walked  along. 

"  We'll  do  what  you  do,"  was  the  answer. 

"  But  I  shall  remain  in  the  village  for  the  present,"  I  said. 

"  And  so  will  we,"  they  cried. 

"  Or  a  lifetime,"  suggested  Jake.  "  Jest  give  dis  child  plenty 
fishin',  and  see  ef  he  don't  stay  contented." 

"  Then  you  had  better  commence  cooking  your  own  food,  and 
not  be  dependent  upon  the  natives.  If  you  catch  more  fish  than 
you  want,  some  of  the  people  will  exchange  vegetables  with  you 
for  the  surplus.  In  that  manner  you  can  live  quite  well." 

"  Lord,  hear  de  boy,"  cried  Jake.  "  Any  one  tink  dat  he  chief 
of  de  village." 

"  If  I  am  not,  I  shall  be  soon,"  I  answered,  a  little  proudly. 

"  Don't  you  make  a  fool  of  yerself,"  growled  Jack.  "  Your 
folks  won't  be  ready  to  accept  a  kanaka  wife  for  their  son." 

"  I  don't  care,"  I  answered,  somewhat  sullenly. 

"Yes,  you  do  care,  Pepper.  Only  think  what  Miss  Julia 
would  say  !  " 


112  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  was  silent.  Lilly  must  have  known  that  the  conversation  was 
concerning  her.  She  seemed  to  comprehend  that  the  seaman  was 
attempting  to  depreciate  her,  for  she  looked  at  him  with  a  frown 
and  a  toss  of  her  pretty  head  that  did  not  betoken  much  friend- 
ship. 

"  Lord,  how  quick  a  woman  is  with  her  temper  !  "  muttered  the 
sailor. 

I  did  not  care  to  hear  the  man's  remonstrances  ;  so  lingered 
in  the  rear,  and  let  my  friends  pass  on  to  the  village.  No  sooner 
were  they  out  of  sight  than  Lilly  recovered  all  her  gayety. 

We  sat  beneath  the  shade  of  a  cocoa-nut  tree,  near  a  small 
stream  of  clear  water,  and  rested  and  refreshed  ourselves  with 
the  milk  of  a  newly-plucked  cocoa-nut,  the  bark  of  which  I  stripped 
off  with  a  hatchet,  which  I  carried  by  my  side.  Those  who  have 
never  dr&uk  milk  from  a  cocoa-nut  just  from  a  tree  can  form  no 
idea  of  its  goodness.  It  quenches  thirst,  gives  tone  to  the  stom- 
ach, and  a  pint  is  almost  equal  to  a  hearty  meal. 

After  Lilly  and  I  had  abated  our  thirst,  I  found  the  position 
too  pleasant  to  leave  in  a  hurry.  A  gentle  breeze  stirred  the  air  ; 
but  there  was  not  a  sound  to  be  heard,  excepting  the  murmur 
of  a  brook,  that  ran  singing  on  its  way  towards  the  "waterfall, 
which  fed  the  lake  where  the  natives  bathed  night  and  morning. 
At  our  feet  was  a  soft  carpet  of  green  ;  overhead  was  an  un- 
clouded sky  ;  on  each  side  of  us  high  hills,  covered  with  waving 
trees,  which  perfumed  the  air  with  an  odor  like  that  of  sandal- 
wood.  Near  us  were  orange  trees  bending  beneath  the  weight 
of  golden  fruit,  and  others  frosted  with  flowers,  which  had  just 
burst  from  the  buds,  while  the  wind  was  scattering  the  blossoms 
over  the  grass,  like  pearls  from  the  hands  of  some  prodigal  fairy. 

I  laid  my  head  in  Lilly's  lap,  and  she  wove  a  wreath  for  me  ; 
bnt  before  she  finished  it,  we  were  both  asleep  ;  and  when  I 
awoke  it  was  with  a  start,  for  Lilly  had  uttered  a  sujbdued  cry  'of 
terror.  I  rubbed  my  eyes  and  started  up,  and  standing  before 
us  was  the  tattooed  Kamaka,  the  hideous  kanaka,  who  seemed 
determined  to  follow  our  footsteps  and  watch  our  motions. 

"  What  do  you  want  here?  "  I  asked,  a  little  fiercely. 

He  smiled  scornfully. 

"  Dis  no  place  for  sailor-man,"  the  wretch  said,  speaking  Eng- 
lish for  the  first  time.  "  White  man  go  away  —  no  stay  here 
longer.  He  get  hurt." 


A    STRUGGLE    WITH   KAMAKA.  113 

**  You  dog,"  do  you  dare  to  threaten  me  ?  "  I  asked,  advancing 
towards  him. 

"  White  sailor-man,  go  away,"  he  answered. 

"  I  shall  stay  here  as  long  as  I  please,"  I  replied.  "  And 
if  you  follow  me  round  much  more,  I'll  punch  that  ugly  head  of 
yours." 

The  New  Zealander  laughed  as  though  he  would  like  to  see  me 
attempt  it.. 

"  Go  away,"  he  said,  "  and  no  come  back.  S'pose  you  no  go, 
me  make  you." 

"You  will?"*!  asked  ;  and  I  went  up  to  him  and  put  a  hand 
upon  his  throat ;  but  in  an  instant  the  tattooed  rascal  had  thrown 
his  arms  around  me,  and  with  a  sudden  turn  of  his  foot,  thought 
that  he  would  throw  me.  But  he  missed  his  aim,  and  the  next 
instant  I  landed  him  upon  .his  back,  and  pressed  my  hands  so 
close  upon  his  throat  that  he  gasped  for  breath. 

"Will  you  keep  a  civil  tongue  in  your  head  hereafter?"! 
asked,  and  I  shook  the  native  until  his  teeth  chattered. 

"  Let  me  up,"  he  gasped. 

"  Not  until  you  promise,"  I  said. 

He  sulked  for  a  moment,  and  then  said,  — 

"  Me  do." 

Kamaka  shook  his  head,  smoothed  his  long  hair,  and  then  said 
some  few  words  to  Lilly ;  but  that  amiable  young  lady  must 
have  opened  a  terrible  battery  upon  him,  for  her  tongue  moved 
rapidly,  and  her  eyes  flashed.  The  native  listened  in  silence,  and 
walked  quietly  away ;  but  once  he  stopped  and  looked  back  at 
me,  and  his  face  did  not  seem  agreeable. 

We  strolled  back  to  the  village,  and  found  the  chief  seated  at  his 
door,  smoking  as  usual,  and  into  his  ears  did  Lilly  pour  the  tale 
of  her  wrongs. 

"  Mcdild"  he  muttered,  and  smoked  on. 

At  length  he  knocked  the  ashes  from  his  pipe,  and  looked  up. 

"  Kamaka  bad,"  he  said,  and  went  to  sleep  without  delay  ;  and 
left  Lilly  and  I  looking  at  each  other. 

We   did  not  feel  sleepy ;    so    wandered  through    the    groves, 

and  swung  in  grass  hammocks  beneath  the  shade  of  trees,  until 

it- was  time  to  return  home  and   take  the  usual  afternoon  bath. 

As  we  passed  by  the  house  where  my  shipmates  were  quartered, 

8 


114  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTUBES. 

I  saw  them  sitting  at  the  door  "  laying  up "  grass  threads  into 
fishing-liucs. 

"  Charley,"  said  Will,  "  the  master  of  the  Sally  didn't  come 
it  —  did  he?  He  searched  through  all  the  village;  but  not  a 
native  would  give  him  any  information.  He  didn't  even  find  the 
boat,  and  it's  lying  on  the  beach  all  right." 

44  And  what  are  you  going  to  do  with  it?  "  I  asked. 

44  Goin'  fishin',"  responded  Jake.  "  Ef  your  folks  wants  any 
fish,  jist  let  us  know.  We  sells  cheap  for  cash.  Yaw,  yaw  !  " 

We  passed  on,  and  were  soon  rolling  in  the  clear  water  of 
the  lake ;  and  I  ducked  dusky  girls  instead  of  being  ducked ; 
but  in  going  home  I  saw  that  Kamaka  had  commenced  an  ac- 
quaintance with  my  shipmates,  and  was  busy  talking  with  them, 
and  assisting  them  in  their  tasks.  But  the  New  Zealander  did 
not  raise  his  eyes  when  I  passed,  or  look  at  me.  I  marvelled 
that  he  should  be  thus  engaged,  and  wondered  what  it  meant. 

We  had  supper,  and  the  night  passed  more  pleasantly  than  the 
one  before.  Once  I  was  startled  by  the  old  chief,  who  shouted 
while  dreaming,  — 

44  No  catche  ye,"  which  I  supposed  referred  to  me,  and  I  re- 
warded him  by  throwing  a  paddle  in  the  direction  of  his  head. 
After  that  pleasant  little  episode,  I  went  to  sleep,  and  was*  awa- 
kened by  Lilly,  who  pulled  my  blanket  from  my  shoulders  to  ac- 
complish it. 

While  Lilly  was  tugging  at  my  blanket,  I  held  on  to  it ;  but  it 
was  no  use.  She  was  determined  that  I  should  arise  and  go  with 
her  to  the  bath.  We  went  and  returned  home  for  breakfast ; 
and  after  that  important  matter,  the  chief  smoked,  as  usual,  for 
an  hour.  At  last  he  got  upon  his  feet,  and  said,  — 

"  Me  go." 

"  Well,"  I  replied,  "  go  along.  Don't  remain  at  home  on  my 
account,  if  you  please." 

He  selected  a  spear,  which  was  leaning  against  the  wall,  a 
Btout,  serviceable  weapon,  with  a  stone  head ;  and  after  looking 
at  it  for  a  moment,  turned  to  me. 

44  Ugh,"  he  grunted  ;  44  me  kill  cow." 

44  Where?"  I  asked. 

He  waved  his  spear  in  triumph,  and  pointed  in  the  direction 
Df  the  hills,  and  then  stalked  off.  I  thought  for  a  moment,  and 
then  followed  the  old  chief,  first  taking  a  similar  weapon  from  the 
wall. 


'  .  AFTER   A   COW.  115 

Before  I  had  gone  ten  rods  Lilly  joined  me,  also  armed  with 
a  light  spear.  She  had  no  idea  of  being  left  at  home  alone. 
We  followed  the  chief  through  woods  and  valleys,  and  up  some 
high  hills ;  and  at  last  reached  the  summit  of  one,  so  that  we 
could  command  a  fine  view  of  the  valley  beneath.  Then  he 
cast  his  keen  eyes  around,  and  pointed  to  a  dozen  head  of  cattle, 
which  were  quietly  feeding  at  our  feet,  exclaimed,  — 

"  Me  want  one." 

"  All  right,  old  fellow,"  I  said.  "  A  taste  of  fresh  beef  would 
be  a  pleasing  variety,  for  I'm  tired  of  fish." 

The  old  chief  continued  to  scan  the  herd  of  cattle  in  silence.  I 
improved  the  opportunity  to  kiss  his  daughter,  to  which  she  made 
no  objection.  Her  father  did  not  notice  it. 

"  Come,"  said  the  chief,  turning  round  so  suddenly  that  he 
nearly  caught  me  repeating  the  experiment. 

We  followed  him  down  the  hill ;  and  near  a  narrow  gorge,  which 
led  from  one  valley  to  another,  between  high  hills,  the  old  chief 
halted.  On  each  side  were  trees  and  bushes,  and  to  these  the 
chief  pointed. 

"  Me  wait,"  he  said ;  and  down  he  sat  behind  a  clump  of 
bushes. 

There  was  nothing  for  Lilly  and  me  to  do  but  to  wait  also. 
We  got  under  the  shade  of  a  tree,  and  sat  down  and  went  to  sleep. 
I  was  awakened  by  the  chief,  who  was  punching  me  with  his 
spear.  The  old  fellow  pointed  with  his  finger  in  the  direction  of 
the  valley,  and  said,  — 

"  Cow  come." 

*'  Well,  let  her  come,"  I  said. 

"  Me  kill !  "  he  exclaimed. 

"  Well,  I  shan't  prevent  you  ;  "  and  I  was  about  to  lie  down, 
when  I  was  startled  by  hearing  the  bellowing  of  a  bull.  I  looked 
up  and  saw  the  herd  of  cattle  within  a  few  rods  of  us,  the  bull  in 
advance,  snuffing  the  air  and  pawing  the  earth. 

"  No  speake,"  said  the  chief,  in  a  whisper ;  and  then  he 
crouched  behind  the  bushes,  and  grasped  his  spear  firmly. 

I  did  the  same.  The  bull  came  on,  his  eyes  resembling  balls 
of  fire.  After  reaching  the  gorge,  he  stopped  and  glared  around  ; 
but  the  cows  pressed  on,  and  the  bull  was  compelled  to  move. 
Once  in  the  gorge,  he  quickened  his  steps,  and  passed  us  unmo- 
lested. Then  he  turned,  and  pawed  the  earth  and  bellowed  oilt 


116  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

his  defiance.  As  he  did  so  the  old  chief  rose  from  his  ambush, 
and  with  a  sudden  motion  hurled  his  spear  at  a  young  and  fat  cow 
which  was  within  a  few  fathoms  of  him.  The  weapon  whistled 
through  the  air,  struck  the  cow  near  her  fore  shoulder,  and  nearly 
passed  through  her  body.  She  gave  one  groan  and  one  leap,  then 
tumbled  upon  her  head,  motionless,  if  not  quite  dead. 

"  Good  for  you,  old  man  !  "  I  shouted,  rising  up  in  my  delight 
and  going  towards  him. 

My  applause  was  too  sudden,  and  somewhat  out  of  place,  for 
the  bull  turned,  and  came  towards  me  much  faster  than  was  desi- 
rable on  his  part. 

"  Stern,  all ! "  I  shouted,  recollecting  the  words  most  used  by 
whalemen  when  in  a  tight  place.  But  the  bull  was  not  accus- 
tomed to  obey  such  orders.  He  was  shortening  the  distance 
between  us  rapidly,  when  I  heard  Lilly  scream,  and  then  saw  her 
at  my  side,  as  though  her  arms  would  ward  off  all  danger.  I 
could  not  fly  after  that.  But  even  in  the  moment  of  peril  I  heard 
the  chief  shout  one  word,  which  he  must  have  meant  as  good 
advice. 

"  Run,"  he  said  ;  and  I  remember  of  wondering  where  he 
learned  that  simple  yet  important  monosyllable. 

I  held  in  my  hand  the  spear  which  I  had  brought  with  me,  and 
with  hardly  a  hope  to  accomplish  anything,  I  put  it  before  me, 
the  point  towards  the  bull,  and  the  shaft  resting  on  the  ground. 
The  bull  came  on  with  a  bellow,  and  with  a  toss  of  his  head  which 
did  not  argue  much  for  my  safety ;  but  that  movement  of  his 
head  was  the  very  thing  that  did  save  me,  for  the  point  of  the 
spear  entered  the  neck  of  the  bull,  and  the  animal  did  not  stop 
until  two  thirds  of  the  shaft  was  in  his  body.  Then  he  staggered, 
the  hot  blood  gushing  from  his  terrible  wound  in  torrents,  and 
with  a  last  expiring  bellow  of  defiance  he  fell  at  my  feet. 

I  turned  and  looked  for  Lilly.  She  was  but  a  few  steps  from 
me,  on  the  ground,  as  though  she  had  fallen  from  the  effect  of 
terror. 

"  I'm  safe,  Lilly,"  I  said  ;  and  I  put  my  arms  around  her  and 
raised  her  up.  She  looked  at  me  with  her  large  black  eyes,  as 
though  she  did  not  understand  how  I  could  possibly  be  alive  ;  and 
then  her  arms  went  around  my  neck,  and  she  commenced  crying. 

I  kissed  her  cheek  and  talked  to  her ;  and  while  1  was  doing  so 
the  chief  disturbed  me  by  this  sage  remark :  — 


A  CONTENTED"  LIFE.  117 

"  By  darn  —  two  kill !     Good-y." 

I  paid  but  little  attention  to  him,  for  I  was  comforting  his 
daughter. 

44  By-by,  chief,'/  he  said,  and  patted  me  on  the  shoulder,  to  inti- 
mate that  I  had  done  a  very  good  thing. 

"Go  tell  *em,"  said  the  chief;  and  he  waved  his  hand  in  the 
direction  of  the  village,  and  spoke  a  few  words  to  his  daughter. 

She  nodded  to  me,  and  we  started  over  hills,  and  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  village.  The  natives  were  eager  for  the  fresh  meat, 
and  old  and  young  went  for  it.  Even  my  shipmates  followed  in. 
the  crowd. 

After  we  had  seen  every  one  depart,  Lilly  and  I,  satisfied  with 
what  we  had  done,  retired  to  the  shade  of  an  orange  tree,  and  ate 
fruit,  and  went  to  sleep.  Commend  me  to  a  kanaka  village  for 
good,  wholesome  sleeping.  Much  of  it  can  be  done  there,  for 
there  is  nothing  else  to  do,  after  you  have  counted  eating,  swim- 
ming, and  fishing. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A  SIMPLE   LIFE   AND  A  HAPPY  ONE. A   LETTER   FROM   MR.    CHER- 

INGTON. THE    ARRIVAL    OF   A   MISSIONARY. 

WEEKS  passed  on,  and  I  found  myself  so  entirely  domesticated 
in  the  village  that  I  had  no  thoughts  of  leaving.  My  shipmates 
were  of  the  same  opinion.  They  fished  and  hunted,  and  were 
looked  upon  by  the  inhabitants  as  useful  members  of  the  tribe. 
My  love  for  Lilly  did  not  diminish  with  time  ;  but  of  that  the 
chief  took  no  notice.  He  smoked,  and  shut  his  eyes  to  all  that 
passed  within  his  house.  We  fished  together,  and  hunted  togeth- 
er, and  I  regarded  the  old  man  with  much  friendly  feeling,  and  I 
know  that  he  had  a  warm  attachment  for  me.  By  attention,  and 
under  the  direction  of  Lilly,  who  was  one  of  the  most  patient 
teachers  I  ever  saw,  I  acquired  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  the  lan- 
guage of  the  isJand  to  make  known  my  wants,  and  to  understand 
nearly  all  that  was  said  to  rae. 

Ah,  how  many  times  did   she  ask  if  I  was  contented  in  the 


118  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

village  !  Sometimes  she  was  very  grave  when  she  asked  the  ques- 
tion. And  after  one  of  her  reveries  she  would  redouble  her 
attentions  to  me,  and  assume  her  most  fascinating  airs.  A 
number  of  times  I  found  her  in  tears.  But  I  4was  thoughtless, 
and  did  not  suppose  that  those  tears  were  shed  for  me.  And 
sometimes  I  was  wicked,  for  I  would  steal  off  and  flirt  with 
other  girls. 

As  for  my  rival,  Kamaka,  he  was  so  badly  beaten  in  the  con- 
test fo:  Lilly,  that  for  the  last  three  weeks  he  had  not  been  seen 
in  the  nllage  ;  and  his  disappearance  was  an  occasion  of  rejoicing 
among  many  who  disliked  the  tattooed  rascal.  One  day  I  was 
swinging  under  a  tree,  in  a  grass  hammock,  when  Lilly  came  to 
find  me,  her  face  showing  some  signs  of  uneasiness. 

"  What  is  the  matter?  "  I  asked. 

"  Bad  news,"  she  replied. 

"  Let  me  hear  it." 

"  Kamaka  is  here." 

"  I  was  in  hopes  that  he  was  dead.     What  does  he  want?  " 
""  To  see  you." 

"  To  see  me  ?     Confound  his  impudence." 

"  He  has  a  paper  for  you,"  said  Lilly ;  and  then,  as  though 
there  was  something  dreadful  in  that,  she  commenced  crying,  and 
looking  as  miserable  as  possible. 

The  rascal  did  not  appear  as  though  he  felt  humiliated  when 
he  stood  before  me. 

"  What  do  you  want  of  me? "  I  asked. 

He  took  off  his  cap,  and  from  the  lining  removed  a  letter.  It 
was  somewhat  soiled  by  contact  with  his  head ;  but  the  super- 
scription was  quite  legible,  and  on  it  I  saw,  "  Charles  Allspice." 

"  Read,"  said  Kamaka. 

I  saw  that  it  was  dated  at  Honolulu,  and  that  Mr.  Cherington's 
name  was  at  the  bottom  of  it.  The  letter  read  as  follows  :  — 


u 


I  have  heard  from  you,  and  I  must  say  that  I  am  surprised 
at  your  conduct.  Little  did  I  think  that  the  son  of  my  old  friend 
would  consider  it  an  honor  to  remain  on  the  island,  isolated  from 
all  society,  and  constant  in  his  attentions  upon  a  native  girl,  whose 
uncultivated  mind  is  the  only  excuse  which  she  can«have  for  lend- 
ing such  a  sinful  life.  Better,  a  thousand  times  better,  would  it 
have  been  for  you  to  have  remained  on  board  the  Sally,  than  to 


A    MISSIONARY   ARRIVES.  119 

have  landed  upon  these  shores,  and  indulged  in  such  wicked- 
ness as  you  and  your  companions  are  reported  to  have  dene. 
Leave  the  village  'and  join  me,  and  the  past  shall  be  forgotten. 
If  you  do  not,  we  must  remain  hereafter  as  strangers. 

"  I  need  not  tell  you  that  Julia  is  excessively  shocked  at  your 
conduct.  At  first  she  refused  to  credit  it ;  but  when  she  was  com- 
pelled to,  she  shed  many  tears  over  your  fall.  Let  me  see  you 
within  two  weeks." 

I  folded  the  letter,  and  then  looked  at  the  fellow  who  had 
brought  it. 

u  Your  revenge  is  not  yet  complete,"  I  said  to  myself.  u  You 
"have  learned  from  my  shipmates  that  Mr.  Cherington  was  a 
prominent  man  at  Honolulu,  and  friendly  with  me ;  and  you* 
visited  the  city  for  the  purpose  of  informing  him  of  my  conduct, 
and  took  good  care  to  exaggerate  as  much  as  possible.  But  I 
am  not  to  be  driven  by  threats." 

"  You  go?"  asked  Kamaka,  looking  up. 

I  sprang  from  the  grass  hammock  in  which  I  was  reclining, 
seized  a  stick,  and  rushed  for  the  native,  but  he  turned  and 
ran. 

"  What  is  it?"  asked  Lilly,  as  soon  as  I  returned. 

I  told  her  that  a  friend  wanted  me  at  Honolulu,  and  that  Kama- 
ka had  slandered  me. 

" You  will  go?"  she  asked. 

"  No,  I  will  not  go,"  I  said.     "  I  will  stay  here  with  Lilly." 

I  heard  no  more  of  the  Kamaka  for  some  days.  He  left  the 
village  a  few  hours  after  delivering  the  letter,  and  then  my  life 
was  without  change  for  several  weeks  ;  but  after  I  had  lived  with 
my  new  friends  about  six  months,  and  was  upon  good  terms 
with  all  the  natives,  the  old  chief  entered  his  house,  one  afternoon, 
looking  unusually  excited. 

"  What  is  the  matter  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Missionary  come,"  he  said ;  and  then,  lighting  his  pipe, 
squatted  down  by.  the  door. 

I  lighted  my  pipe,  and  placed  myself  by  the  side  of  the  chief, 
while  Lilly,  trembling,  seized  some  work,  and  awaited  the  arrival 
of  the  reverend  gentleman.  In  a  few  minutes  he  rode  up  to  the 
door,  and  dismounted  from  a  fine-looking  horse,  and  a  kanaka 
servant  instantly  took  charge  of  the  animal.  I  looked  at  the 


120  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

man's  face  as  he  approached  the  house,  and  I  read  there  some 
pride,  much  resolution,  and  but  little  humility.  He  was  a  tall, 
dark-looking  man,  with  a  commanding  eye,  thin  lips,  and  a  clean 
shaven  face.  He  approached  the  chief,  but  the  latter  smoked  on 
without  rising. 

"  Good  day,  my  brother,"  he  said,  extending  his  hand  ;  and  the 
chief  took  it,  held  it  for  a  moment,  and  then  dropped  it  suddenly, 
as  though  fearful  of  being  burned, 

"  Good  clay,  daughter,"  the  missionary  continued,  speaking  in 
the  Hawaii  dialect,  and  addressing  Lilly. 

And  then  the  tall  man  turned  his  eyes  upon  me. 

44  Who  are  you?  "  he  asked. 

"  A  sailor." 
*     u  A  runaway  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

u  I  thought  so  ;  "  and  he  sighed,  as  though  his  thoughts  were 
sinful. 

44  If  you  thought  so,  why  did  you  ask  me?  "  I  demanded. 

44  To  be  sure  of  the  matter.  You  are  living  here  in  idleness 
and  sin,  I  suppose." 

44  I  am  living  here,"  I  answered,  "  but  not  in  idleness,  and 
with  very  little  sin." 

The  missionary  looked  at  me  with  some  surprise,  and  after  a 
pause,  said, — 

44 1  suppose  you  are  one  of  the  young  men  who  escaped  from 
the  whaleship  Sally." 

"  I  had  the  honor  of  leaving  her,"  I  replied. 

*4  Were  you  aware  that  you  were  violating  the  laws  of  the 
island  by  remaining  on  shore  without  permission  of  the  govern- 
ment? "  he  asked. 

44  No." 

44  Then  let  me  now  inform  you  of  the  fact,  and  warn  you  that  it 
is  necessary  you  should  receive  permission  of  the  Secretary  of 
State." 

44 1  will  obtain  it  when  I  see  him,"  I  answered. 

44  Then  you  had  better  see  him  without  delay.  Time  is  pre- 
cious in  this  sinful  world." 

The  good  man  sighed  and  looked  at  Lilly.  The  poor  girl 
dropped  her  eyes.  Her  vivacity  was  all  gone. 

"  Is  that  girl  your  wife  ?  "  the  missionary  asked. 


I   AM   WANTED.  121 

"  She  is  not,"  I  answered. 

"Should  she  not  be?" 

u  That  depends  upon  circumstances." 

The  reverend  gentleman  looked  shocked,  and  kept  silent  for  a 
moment.  Then  he  sighed  and  groaned  once  more. 

"  I  came  to  the  village  in  search  of  a  young  man  named  All- 
spice. Can  you  tell  me  where  he  is  to  be  found  ?  I  understand 
that  he  has  respectable  connections,  and  I  wish  to  secure  him  from 
a,  life  of  sin." 

"  He  does  not  care  to  be  secured,"  I  answered.  "  He  is  quite 
contented  as  he  is." 

"  How  do  you  know?" 

"  Because  I  am  the  individual  you  are  in  search  of." 

"  Is  it  possible?  Are  you  the  young  man  whom  Mr.  Chering- 
ton  takes  such  an  interest  in  ?  " 

"  I  know  Mr.  Cherington,  and  he  was  friendly  with  me  when 
he  left  the  ship.  I  do  not  understand  his  feelings  at  the  pres- 
ent time." 

"  They  have  not  changed  in  spite  of  your  ingratitude.  He  has 
heard  of  the  rude  manner  in  which  you  treated  his  messenger ; 
but  still  he  loves  you  for  your  father's  sake." 

"  I  am  much  obliged  to  him.  I  hope  I  shall  never  forfeit  his 
respect." 

4i  But,  my  dear  young  man,"  —  and  the  missionary  grew  confi- 
fidential  — "  you  will  forfeit  it  if  you  remain  here  in  idleness. 
Leave  the  village.  Go  with  me  to  Honolulu,  and  become  a  mer- 
chant and  a  respectable  member  of  the  church." 

I  looked  at  Lilly,  but  I  could  not  make  up  my  mind  to  de- 
sert her. 

"  I  am  contented  here,  and  have  no  desire  to  leave,"  I  said, 
with  as  much  firmness  as  I  could  command. 

"  Consider  for  one  moment,  young  man.  I  can  have  you 
tabooed,  and  your  best  friend  in  the  village  would  not  dare  to  lend 
you  assistance,  or  even  furnish  you  with  food.  What  could  you 
do  then?" 

"  Retire  into  the  country,  and  live  on  fruit." 

"  But  if  you  were  arrested?  " 

"  I  should  escape  as  soon  as  possible.  I  only  ask  to  remain 
here  and  live  in  peace.  I  have  no  aspirations,  nor  any  desire  to 
leave  here." 


122  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  There  is  something  fascinating  in  living  in  idleness,  I  will 
confess,"  he  said  ;  "  but  just  think  how  much  better  your  time 
could  be  employed  in  civilized  society." 

"  There  are  no  petty  jealousies  here,"  I  remarked.  "  All  our 
wants  are  supplied,  and  what  more  can  man  desire  ?  " 

"  Have  you  not  Christian  wants?"  the  missionary  asked. 

I  was  silent.  The  reverend  gentleman  saw  that  his  last  broad- 
side had  touched  me,  and  he  followed  it  up  with  a  fresh  one. 

"  I  saw  Miss  Cherington  a  few  days  since.  I  was  at  her 
father's  house,  when  a  native  —  Kamaka,  I  think  they  called 
him  —  related  the  manner  in  which  you  treated  him  after  read- 
ing Mr.  Cheriugton's  letter.  He  told  some  sad  stories  of  your 
life,  and  the  lady  denied  them  with  much  spirit,  and  with  some 
indignation.  She  said  that  she  knew  your  nature  too  well  to 
think  you  would  be  guilty  of  such  gross  immorality  as  the  native 
charged." 

"  I  bless  her  for  the  good  thought,"  I  cried,  a  little  warmly. 
"  She  only  does  me  justice." 

"  Shall  I  return  to  her  and  report  that  you  prefer  the  company 
of  a  kanaka  girl  to  that  of  a  sensible,  highly  educated  white 
lady?" 

"  No,  no.     Do  not  do  that,"  I  exclaimed. 

"Then  what  shall  I  say ?" 

"  Tell  her  nothing,"  I  answered.  "  She  is  too  good  for  me 
to  think  of.  I  know  not  if  she  would  speak  with  me  should  we 
meet." 

"  Then  make.the  attempt  and  see  what  the  result  will  be.  Julia 
is  a  girl  of  Christian  principle,  and  has  a  forgiving  heart." 

I  looked  up  and  saw  that  tears  were  in  Lilly's  eyes.  All  my 
love  for  her  returned,  even  if  it  had  strayed  for  a  moment.  .  I 
could  not  leave  her.  The  missionary  saw  my  resolution. 

"What  shall  I  tell  Mr.  Cherington?"  the  Kev.  Mr.  Gangle 
asked,  as  he  mounted  his  horse. 

"  That  I  thank  him  for  his  kindness,"  I  answered. 

"  You  will  one  day  be  glad  to  accept  of  his  offers.  Sin  carries 
its  own  pupishment,  and  yours  will  soon  come." 

I  felt  that  his  words  were  true ;  but  sin  sometimes  takes  too 
firm  a  root  to  be  plucked  out  without  a  struggle. 

Mr.  Gangle  turned  his  horse's  head,  and  with  a  cold  bow  was 
about  to  ride  off,  when  I  laid  a  hand  upon  his  bridle. 


SOLDIERS   ARE   AFTER   ME.  123 

"  One  moment,"  I  said,  speaking  hurriedly.  "  Tell  Miss  Cher- 
ington  that  there  is  not  a  day  passes  without  my  thinking  of  her. 
Tell  her  not  to  believe  me  wholly  bad,  for  I  am  not." 

I  turned  and  plunged  into  the  woods,  and  the  missionary  left 
the  village.  I  threw  myself  under  a  cocoa-nut  tree,  and  covered 
my  face  with  my  hands,  and  almost  shed  tears  at  the  position  in 
which  I  was  placed.  While  I  was  thus  repenting,  I  felt  a  light 
hand  laid  upon  my  head,  and  looking  up  I  saw  that  Lilly  had 
stolen  to  my  side. 

44  The  missionary  wanted  you  to  leave  me,"  she  said. 

I  did  not  answer. 

"  If  you  think  it  is  for  your  happiness,  I  desire  you  to  do  so,** 
she  continued. 

"  I  am  contented,  Lilly,"  I  answered.     "  I  shall  never  leave 

you." 

The  next  day  I  went  about  my  work  as  usual.  I  had  laid  out 
a  garden  near  the  house  of  the  chief,  and  in  that  I  labored  some 
two  or  three  hours  each  day,  assisted  by  Lilly.  I  had  planted  all 
kinds  of  vegetables,  and  by  attending  to  them,  they  were  growing 
finely.  One  corner  I  devoted  to  roses,  and  their  perfume  filled 
the  air  night  and  morning.  The  natives  of  the  village  grew  am- 
bitious after  witnessing  my  success,  and  all  commenced  gardens 
precisely  like  mine,  and  but  little  labor  was  required  to  make 
them  flourish  as  well.  Even  the  children  took  an  interest  in  the 
undertaking,  and  they  would  sit  for  hours  and  drive  the  hens  and 
chickens  away  from  them. 

Thus  I  occupied  my  time,  and  I  had  nearly  forgotten  the  visit 
of  the  missionary,  when  one  morning  Lilly  rushed  into  the  house 
where  I  was  mending  a  fish-line,  and  said,  — 

"  Run,  for  they  have  come." 

My  first  thought  was,  that  the  Sally  had  landed  a  boat's  crew, 
and  I  prepared  to  leave  the  house  without  a  moment's  delay ;  but 
a  glance  at  Lilly  satisfied  me  that  the  -danger  was  more  imminent. 

"  What  is  the  matter,  Lilly?  "  I  asked. 

"  Soldiers,"  she  managed  to  articulate,  and  around  my  neck 
went  her  arms. 

"  They  are  coming  here,"  she  cried.  **  O,  run,  and  don't 
stop ; "  but  she  only  clung  the  tighter  to  my  neck  as  she  spoke. 

Just  at  that  moment  the  chief  entered  the  house. 

44  Sogers  come,"  he  said.  "  No  cotche  ye,  no  hab  ye.  Run  ;  " 
and  he  proceeded  to  light  his  pipe  with  all  imaginable  coolness.. 


124  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  ran  but  a  few  steps  when  I  caught  sight  of  four  kanaka  sol- 
diers, advancing  in  the  direction  of  the  chief's  house. 

"  That  is  he,"  I  heard  some  one  say  ;  and  looking  up,  I  saw  my 
tattooed  rival,  Kamaka. 

The  soldiers  were  armed  with  muskets  and  bayonets ;  but 
whether  they  would  dare  to  use  them  against  me  was  a  question 
that  I  did  not  ask,  for  fear  that  I  should  find  an  unfavorable 
answer.  As  the  men  advanced,  I  receded  for  a  few  feet,  and 
then  determined  to  attempt  to  run  the  blockade  and  escape  to  the 
mountains. 

u  Catch  him,"  shouted  Kamaka ;  and  as  he  uttered  those  words 
I  made  a  dash  at  him.  He  dodged,  but  was  not  quick  enough. 
I  struck  him  a  running  blow  as  I  passed,  and  he  rolled  over  two 
or  three  times  before  he  stopped.  A  soldier  put  up  his  musket, 
and  told  me  to  halt,  but  I  knocked  his  piece  down,  and  passed  all 
four  of  them,  and  thought  that  I  should  escape,  when  1  suddenly 
found  myself  in  the  presence  of  six  more,  who  received  me 
with  open  arms.  The  fellows  piled  on  me,  and  slipped  a  pair  of 
irons  on  my  hands,  and  pointed  bayonets  at  my  breast  while  doing 
so.  But  still  I  heard  a  sergeant,  who  had  charge  of  the  squad, 
say  in  a  low  tone, — 

u  Carefully,  men.     No  violence." 

He  spoke  in  his  native  tongue,  which  he  thought  I  did  not  un- 
derstand. I  had  a  chance  to  notice  the  soldiers  while  they  sur- 
rounded me,  and  I  saw  that  they  were  light-colored  young  fellows, 
wearing  blue  cotton  uniforms,  trimmed  with  red  worsted  braid, 
hats  of  no  particular  pattern,  and  shoes  which  showed  a  number 
of  toes  protruding.  Before  I  had  finished  my  survey,  I  heard 
the  voices  of  my  shipmates,  as  they  came  rushing  towards  me. 
Some  one  had  informed  them  of  my  arrest.  They  had  armed 
themselves  with  clubs,  and  Jack  had  a  lance,  one  of  those  which 
we  stole  from  the  Sally. 

"  Let  him  go,"  roared  the  English  sailor,  as  he  hove  in  sight. 
"  Drop  him,  I  tell  you,  or  I'll  make  blubber  of  you  fellers  ;  "  and 
he  raised  his  lance  as  though  to  make  a  dart. 

The  kanaka  soldiers  looked  their  astonishment,  but  did  not  offer 
to  raise  their  muskets  to  resist  the  attack. 

"  If  them  sojers  ain't  out  of  this  place  in  five  minutes,  I'll 
dart,"  shouted  Jack ;  and  I  believe  that  he  would  have  kept  his 
word,  had  I  not  spoken. 


A   LEAVE   TAKING.  125 

"  Put  down  your  lance  and  throw  away  your  clubs,"  I  said. 
"  Do  you  want  to  be  lodged  in  the  calaboose  for  attacking  the 
soldiers  ?  " 

u  Who  put  them  darbies  on  your  hands?  "  they  asked.  "  Take 
'em  off,  or  we'll  lick  the  sojer  what  did  it." 

They  turned  fiercely  upon  the  kanaka  soldiers,  and  the  sergeant 
was  called  upon  to  explain. 

44  He  hitte  wid  fisty,"  he  said  in  explanation. 

"  Well,  that's  what  they  were  made  for.  Take  'em  off,  or 
you'll  get  keel-hauled  in  no  time,  my  hearty." 

The  kanaka  soldier  looked  at  Jack's  burly  figure,  and  seemed  to 
have  some  dread  of  it. 

44  You  no  runny?"  he  asked,  speaking  to  me." 

44 1  shall  not  run,"  I  answered. 

He  removed  the  irons  from  my  wrists,  and  my  shipmates  all 
crowded  around  me,  edging  the  soldiers  away  as  though  they  had 
no  right  there.  I  wondered  where  Lilly  and  the  chief  were.  But 
as  we  moved  off  I  heard  a  scream,  and  the  next  moment  Lilly 
rnshed  towards  me,  her  hair  streaming  in  the  wind,  and  her  face 
expressing  the  agony  which  she  felt.  She  broke  through  the 
ranks  of  the  soldiers,  and  threw  her  arms  around  my  neck,  and 
bathed  my  face  with  her  tears. 

44  You  shall  not  leave  me,"  she  cried. 

44 1  will  return,  Lilly,"  I  said,  and  I  strove  to  comfort  her. 

44  You  will  never  come  back,"  she  cried.  44 1  shall  see  you  no 
more.  O,  let  me  go  with  you." 

44  You  must  not  go  with  him,"  the  sergeant  exclaimed.  4*  We 
were  ordered  not  to  take  any  one  but  the  sailor." 

44  But  you  shall  not  take  him." 

44  Lilly,"  I  whispered,  "  have  patience  and  a  little  courage.  We 
shall  meet  again.  As  soon  as  I  am  released  I  will  return  to  you." 

44  No,  no ;  you  never  will  return  to  me,"  she  cried,  clinging 
convulsively  to  my  neck. 

I  strove  to  disengage  her  hands,  but  she  resisted  my  efforts 
until  her  father  appeared.  The  crowd  fell  back  before  the  dig- 
nified old  chief. 

44  Maliki"  he  said  ;  and  his  face  looked  troubled,  and  his  eyes 
showed  how  much  he  sympathized  with  me. 

He  put  his  arms  around  his  daughter,  and  whispered  some 
words  in  her  ear  ;  and  then  she  released  me  after  one  kiss,  and  the 
poor  girl  was  carried  in  a  fainting  state  towards  her  home. 


126 

For  the  purpose  of  getting  me  beyond  the  reach  of  such  danger- 
ous men,  the  soldiers  hurried  me  to  the  beach,  where  &  whale-boat 
was  lying,  in  which  they  had  pulled  nearly  all  the  way  from 
Honolulu.  A  hundred  natives  followed  close  upon  us,  and  they 
beat  their  breasts  and  filled  the  air  with  their  lamentations  at  the 
prospect  of  losing  me. 

"  Shove  off  the  boat,"  said  the  sergeant,  speaking  to  his  men  ia 
his  native  language.  "  Be  quick,  or  the  people  will  stone  us." 

This  was  sufficient  to  make  the  soldiers  hurry  their  movements  ; 
and  I  think  that  a  volley  of  stones  would  have  saluted  them  if 
the  old  chief  had  not  suddenly  appeared  on  the  ground,  and  spoke 
to  his  people  in  such  a  manner  that  there  was  no  mistaking  his 
words.  Lilly's  father  came  towards  me,  and  motioned  me  aside. 

"  When  you  come  back,"  he  said,  speaking  in  his  native  tongue, 
which  I  understood  sufficiently  to  comprehend,  u  you  must  marry 
my  daughter  and  then  you  can  be  a  chief,  and  the  soldiers  can't 
take  you.  I  love  you  as  a  son,  and  my  child  thinks  of  you  only. 
If  you  should  not  come  back  she  would  die,  and  theu  I  should  be 
alone  in  the  world." 

"  Chief,"  I  asked,  "  why  am  I  taken  away  ?  " 

"  It  is  the  work  of  the  missionaries,"  he  replied.  "  Kamaka 
has  told  them  false  stories,  and  they  believed  him." 

I  was  almost  inclined  to  rush  among  the  crowd  and  escape  to 
the  mountains ;  but  I  recollected  my  word  of  honor.  I  looked 
around  in  hope  of  seeing  Lilly. 

"  She  is  sick,"  the  chief  said,  guessing  whom  my  eyes  sought. 
"  It  has  gone  to  her  heart.  Hasten  back,  or  she  will  die." 

"  We  must  go,"  cried  the  sergeant ;  and  I  shook  hands  with  my 
intended  father-in-law,  and  stepped  into  the  boat. 

"  Shove  off,"  was  the  order ;  and  the  boat  had  just  left  the 
beach  when  I  heard  a  shriek.  The  crowd  on  the  shore  parted  to 
the  right  and  left,  and  then  I  saw  Lilly  rushing  towards  me,  her 
arms  extended  and  her  long  hair  streaming  in  the  wind. 

"  Take  me  too,"  she  cried.     "  O,  take  me,  or  come  back." 

"  Pull  hard,"  the  sergeant  cried ;  and  the  native  soldiers  bent 
to  their  oars. 

I  glanced  at  Lilly  to  wave  her  an  adieu ;  but  the  instant  she 
caught  sight  of  rne,  she  rushed  into  the  water,  and  then  swam  for 
the  boat,  as  though  determined  to  follow  us  to  Honolulu. 

"  Come  back,"'  she  cried,  and  threw  her  slight  form  nearly  out 


A    SEVERE   ILLNESS.  127 

of  the  water  as  she  tittered  the  words ;  and  then  from  her  mouth 
I  saw  the  blood  spirt ;  but  still  she  continued  to  swim  after  usf  and 
uttered  many  wild  shrieks,  which  pierced  my  heart  and  nearly 
drove  me  frantic.  I  made  desperate  efforts  to  break  from  the 
grasp  of  the  soldiers ;  but  they  held  on  to  me  so  tightly  that  I 
could  not  move.  I  covered  my  face  with  my  hands,  and  groaned 
with  bitterness;  and  just  then  the  sergeant  touched  me  on  the 
shoulder. 

"  They  will  save  her,"  he  cried,  "  and  in  a  few  days  you  will 
see  her." 

I  looked  up,  and  saw  that  two  thirds  of  the  natives  were  swim- 
ming to  Lilly's  assistance,  and  that  the  poor  thing  had  turned  her 
head  towards  the  shore.  I  waved  an  adieu  to  my  friends,  who 
were  watching  me,  and  then  sank  back  into  the  stern  of  the  boat, 
and  remained  in  a  state  of  stupor  until  we  reached  Honolulu. 
Then  they  placed  me  on  a  bed,  and  my  head  fell  back. 

"  The  sailor-man  is  sick,"  one  of  the  soldiers  said.  "  He  should 
not  remain  here." 

I  saw  some  one  lean  over  me  and  feel  of  my  pulse,  and  then 
place  a  hand  upon  my  head. 

"  He  is  threatened  with  brain  fever,"  I  heard  him  whisper. 
"  He  must  be  moved  from  here  at  once.  There  is  no  time  to 
lose." 

"  We  had  better  send  word  —  had  we  not?  "  some  one  asked 
the  speaker. 

"  Of  course.  Our  plan  is  frustrated  by  this  attack  of  sickness. 
Poor  fellow  !  he  has  taken  it  too  hard  —  much  harder  than  I  sup- 
posed. I  imagined  that  he  would  laugh  at  the  joke  after  it  was 
explained  to  him." 

"  I  will  send  word  at  once,  and  we  can  have  him  moved  in  half 
an  hour.  The  daughter  will  look  after  him  some —  will  she  not?  " 

"  You  can  rest  assured  of  that,  although  she  is  a  little  grieved 
just  now  at  his  past  conduct." 

"  You  saw  that  kanaka  girl  while  you  were  making  your  annual 
visits  —  didn't  you?"  asked  the  man  who  still  held  my  hand. 

"  Yes  ;  and  I  am  not  surprised  at  his  infatuation.  I  never  saw 
a  girl  on  the  island  that  would  compare  with  her  in  point  of 
beauty,  and  she  is  as  artless  as  a  child." 

"  Poor  thing  !  poor  thing  !  God  help  her.  She  feels  as  bad 
at  the  separation  as  this  boy,  who  has  allowed  his  heart  to 


128  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

turn  his  brain.     The  work  has   been   done  most   bunglingly,  I 
must  say." 

"But  what  were  we  to  do?"  asked  the  man  addressed,  whose 
voice  sounded  like  that  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  G angle.  "  His  father 
expects  him  to  follow  in  his  footsteps,  and  become  a  good  man. 
If  he  had  remained  in  that  village  he  would  have  been  a  vaga- 
bond all  his  life." 

"  I  doubt  that,"  said  the  man  who  was  holding  my  hand,  and 
who,  I  thought,  was  a  physician.  "  If  you  had  let  them  alone 
they  would  soon  have  got  tired  of  each  other,  and  then  separation 
would  have  ensued  quite  naturally." 

He  laid  his  hand  upon  my  heated  forehead,  and  I  suddenly 
thought  it  was  Lilly's  hand,  and  that  she  was  asking  me  to  go  with 
her  to  the  bath. 

"  Wait  till  daylight,  Lilly,"  I  said.  "  I  am  too  sleepy  to  get  up 
just  yet." 

"  You  see  how  his  thoughts  run." 

"  Miss  Julia  will  prove  a  good  nurse,"  said  the  other,  and  then 
they  left  the  room,  but  presently  returned,  and  I  felt  myself  lifted 
up  from  the  mattress  on  which  I  was  lying,  and  carried  into  the 
cool,  pure  air.  I  was  placed  in  a  carriage,  and  laid  upon  blankets  ; 
then  the  horse  was  started,  but  only  at  a  walk,  for  fear  of  jarring 
my  head,  which  began  to  pain  me  severely.  At  last  the  carriage 
stopped,  and  then  I  heard  a  voice  which  I  remembered  perfectly. 
It  was  Mr.  Cherington's. 

"  How  is  he  ?  "  I  heard  him  ask. 

"About  the  same,"  was  the  answer.  "The  fever  is  slowly 
increasing." 

"  A  room  is  all  ready  for  him,"  Mr.  Cherington  remarked.  "  Let 
us  move  him  ourselves.  I  don't  want  to  trust  the  servants." 

They  took  me  in  their  arms  and  carried  me  into  the  house,  and 
then  up  one  flight  of  stairs,  and  laid  me  upon  a  bed.  I  heard  a 
low,  sweet  voice  in  the  room  ask,  — 

"  Father,  may  I  look  at  him  ?  " 
„  "  Yes,  my  child,"  was  the  answer. 

And  then  I  felt  a  soft  hand  laid  upon  my  head,  and  a  sweet 
breath  fan  my  cheek,  and  a  soft  pair  of  lips  touched  mine,  but 
very  lightly. 

"  Poor  boy,"  she  said  ;  and  then  I  heard  no  more  conversation 
for  many  days. 


RECOVERING  FROM  FEVER.  129 

When  I  awoke  —  as  if  from  a  deep  sleep  —  I  tried  to  recollect 
where  I  was,  and  how  it  happened  that  I  was  lying  on  a  mattress, 
with  clean  linen  sheets  and  a  white  bed-spread.  I  raised  my 
hands,  and,  to  my  surprise,  saw  that  they  were  white  and  thin, 
and  that  my  arms  had  lost  most  of  their  flesh.  Then  I  knew 
that  I  had  been  sick ;  but  for  what  length  of  time  I  could  not 
imagine. 

The  room  in  which  I  was  lying  was  just  light  enough  for  me 
to  notice  that  the  floor  was  covered  with  straw  matting,  which 
looked  cool  and  pleasant,  the  furniture  was  of  substantial  black 
walnut,  and  around  the  walls  hung  pictures  and  engravings. 
The  windows,  which  were  open  to  admit  the  cool  and  fragrant 
air,  were  covered  with  blinds,  and  on  the  inside  hung  lace  curtains 
with  heavy  blue  silk  tassels.  The  bedstead  on  which  I  was  lying 
was  one  of  the  old  style,  with  four  tall  posts,  each  one  surmounted 
with  a  brass  ball,  ajid  over  all  a  canopy,  with  a  mosquito  net. 
I  lay  perfectly  still 'and  waited,  and  presently  some  one  opened 
a  door ;  and  then  I  heard  whispering,  and  I  recognized  the 
voices ;  and  how  my  heart  beat  as  I  listened ! 

u  How  is  he  this  morning,  child?"  asked  Mr.  Cherington. 

"  There  is  no  change,  father,"  answered  Julia,  in  a  low,  sad  tone. 

"  Has  he  wandered  as  bad  as  usual?  " 

**  No,  I  think  not.  Once  or  twice  he  has  imagined  that  he  was 
on  .board  that  miserable  ship,  and  sometimes  he  has  spoken  as 
though  he  was  conversing  with  that  poor  girl  whom  he  calls 
Lilly.  It  is  dreadful,  father  —  is  it  not?  —  and  he  so  young,  and 
at  one  time  so  good !  " 

"  We  must  not  be  too  hard  on  him  for  that,  Julia.  He  is  not 
the  first  that  has  fallen  after  lauding  on  these  shores.  Consider 
his  youth  and  inexperience." 

"  I  have,  father,  and  yet  I  am  fearful  that  I  have  not  charity 
enough.  Only  think  how  good  and  pure  he  was  on  board  the 
ship." 

*'  He  has  done  wrong ;  but  we  must  forgive  him,  child." 

"  I  don't  feel  that  I  ever  can,"  Julia  said,  with  a  gentle  sigh, 
which  told  me  that  her  heart  was  not  so  hard  as  she  would  have 
her  father  believe. 

"  For  his  parents'  sake,  we  must  do  so,"  the  old  gentleman 
replied. 

"  For  their  sake  I'll  try,"  the  young  lady  said  ;  and  I  felt  re- 


130  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

joiced  at  her  decision,  although  I  did  not  think  at  the  time  that 
I  had  committed  much  sin. 

"Has  the  doctor  been  here  this  morning ?"  Mr.  Cheringtou 
asked. 

44  Yes,  and  he  left  some  new  medicine ;  but  I  have  not 
given  Charles  any,  and  don't  think  that  I  shall.  It  is  horrid 
smelling  stuff." 

Blessed  girl,  how  much  I  thanked  her  for  it !  She  wanted  to 
spare  me  some  trouble,  and  let  me  die  a  natural  death. 

"  Did  the  doctor  express  any  opinion?"  asked  Mr.  Cherington. 

"  None.  He  said  that  the  fever  might  take  a  favorable  turn,  and 
that,  if  it  did  not  by  to-morrow  night,  he  should  shave  his  head 
and  put  a  blister  on  it.  Only  think  of  that ! "  and  Miss  Julia 
expressed  in  her  tones,  the  horror  which  she  should  feel  at  such 
an  act. 

44  It  should  have  been  done  before,"  was  ajil  the  consolation  the 
young  lady  got  from  her  father. 

'*  He  would  look  so  odd  with  his  head  shaved !  "  Miss  Julia 
remarked.  "  Pray  don't  have  it  done  until  all  other  means  fail." 

44  His  life  is  of  more  value  than  a  few  curls,"  the  unfeeling  man 
said,  and  left  the  room  ;  and  Julia  and  I  were  alone. 

Then  I  thought  that  it  was  best  to  let  her  know  that  I  was 
awake. 

"  Where  am  I?  "  I  asked,  speaking  for  the  first  time,  and  in  so 
weak  a  tone  that  it  rather  startled  me. 

Miss  Julia  jumped  up  and  looked  astonished,  and  then  she  bent 
over  me,  her  face  expressing  her  anxiety. 

".Charles,"  she  said,  laying  her  hand  upon  mine,  and  speaking 
very  seriously,  "  do  you  know  me?" 

44  O,  yes,"  I  answered ;  "  you're  an  angel,  and  have  come  to 
comfort  me." 

%   44  No,  Charles,"  she  said,  with  a  sweet  smile,  "  I'm  not  an  an- 
gel ;  I  am  a  human  being." 

44  You  are  handsome  enough  to  be  one,"  I  managed  to  say  ;  and 
I  don't  think  that  remark  displeased  her. 

44  You  poor  boy,"  she  cried,  44  you*  must  be  sensible.  You  talk 
quite  rational." 

44 1  think  that  I  am,"  I  answered  ;  and  I  carried  her  white  hand 
to  my  lips  and  kissed  it.  44  Tell  me,  Miss  Cherington,"  I  asked, 
"how  long  have  I  been  sick?" 


A    MODERATE    BREAKFAST.  131 

"  O,  not  long.  But  you  must  not  ask  questions.  You  are  too 
sick." 

"  I  have  no  pain  left  in  my  head,  but  I  am  terribly  weak." 

"  Then  you  must  not  talk." 

"  If  you  command  me  not  to,  I  won't,"  I  answered. 
.   "  Then  I  do  command  you  not  to  speak  unless  you  are  spoken 
to  ;  "  and  she  was  about  to  sit  down,  when  a  thought  struck  her. 

"Do  you  feel  hungry?"  she  asked. 

"  Very,"  I  answered.  "  See  how  I  have  fallen  away  !  "  I  sighed, 
as  I  held  up  my  hand,  and  then  accidentally  let  it  fall  upon  her 
own. 

"  You  have  grown  thin,"  she  said  ;  and  I  felt  my  hand  pressed 
ever  so  slightly,  and  then,  as  though  frightened,  she  closed  the 
mosquito  bar,  and  left  me  to  my  own  reflections. 

"  What  would  you  like  to  eat?"  she  demanded. 

"  A  beefsteak,  some  dry  toast,  a  few  broiled  potatoes,  and  half 
a  dozen  boiled  eggs,"  I  answered,  quite  promptly. 

She  was  not  much  accustomed  to  domestic  matters,  and  sup- 
posed that  it  was  all  right  when  I  stated  that  I  desired  such  sub- 
stantial fare. 

"  You  shall  have  all  that  you  ask  for,"  she  said.  "  Now  go  to 
sleep,  and  when  you  awaken  your  breakfast  shall  be  ready." 

I  fell  asleep,  and  must  have  slept  until  near  night ;  for  when  I 
awoke,  I  saw  Mr.  Cherington  sitting  at  my  bedside,  and  a  stranger 
with  him.  I  awoke  with  a  sigh,  for  I  had  been  dreaming  of  the 
kanaka  village  and  Lilly. 

"  Charles,"  asked  Mr.  Cherington,  "  how  do  you  feel?" 

"  Hungry,"  I  answered. 

..  The  stranger  took  my  hand,  and  felt  of  my  pulse  for  a  moment 
in  silence. 

4i  Pulse  regular,"  he  said  ;  "  skin  cool  and  moist.  I've  brought 
him  round,  you  see.  That  last  medicine  did  the  business  ;  I  was 
positive  it  would.  No  pain  in  the  head,  hey'?  " 

*None,"  I  replied. 

"  I  thought  so.  The  powders  which  I  gave  would  relieve  that. 
How  is  the  mouth  ?  " 

"  Rusty  for  the  want  of  use,"  I  answered. 

44  The  effect  of  the  drops.  There's  iron  in  them,"  the  doctor 
cried,  quite  composedly. 

u  You  think  that  he  is  improving  fast  —  do  you,  doctor?"  asked 
Mr.  Cherington. 


132  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  know  so,  sir.  The  physician  to  his  majesty,  Kamehamaha, 
is  not  likely  to  make  a  mistake.  I  said  I  should  save  him.  I 
can't  perform  miracles,  but  I  can  cure  a  man  if  he  will  let  me, 
and  don't  fight  against  nature." 

"  But  you  seem  to  forget  that  nature  is  fighting  me,  and  will 
soon  conquer,  unless  assistance  is  rendered.  I'm  hungry.  I 
asked  Miss  Cherington  for  some  breakfast  a  few  hours  back,  and 
she  said  that  she  would  have  it  ready  when  I  awoke." 

"  Well,  you  are  awake  —  ain't  you  ?  "  asked  the  doctor. 

"  Why,  yes,  I  believe  that  I  am,"  I  replied. 

"  Well,  you  don't  see  the  beefsteak  and  the  broiled  potatoes 
—  do  you?" 

I  moved  my  head,  but  nothing  but  phials  and  powders  met  my 
gaze  upon  the  table. 

"You  don't  see  the  boiled  eggs  —  do*  you?  "  the  doctor  asked. 

"  No." 

"  Well,  you  won't  see  them,  if  my  orders  are  obeyed,  for  two 
weeks  ~to  come." 

I  sighed  and  looked  towards  Mr.  Cheringtou  for  relief. 

"  Don't  be  alarmed,  Charles,"  he  said.  "  You  shall  not  starve 
as  long  as  you  are  in  my  house.  The  doctor  will  give  you  some- 
thing nourishing,  I  know." 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  shall,  and  I  want  my  directions  carried  out  to  the 
letter.  To-night  a  piece  of  chicken,  large  as  one  of  my  fingers, 
and  a  bowl  of  gruel.  If  the  king  was  sick  I  should  serve  him 
in  the  same  manner.  And  I  should  be  obeyed,  or  I  would  know 
the  reason  why." 

"  You  shall  be  obeyed,  sir,"  Mr.  Cherington  remarked  ;  and 
then  the  doctor,  after  giving  me  one  more  punch  in  the  region 
of  the  ribs,  and  one  triumphant  glance,  left  the  room. 

"  You  have  had  a  hard  fit  of  sickness,"  Mr.  Cherington  said  ; 
"  but  thank  God,  all  danger  is  now  passed,  I  hope." 

As  he  rose  to  leave  the  room,  Julia  came  in,  followed  by  a 
kanaka  girl,  who  bore  a  tray  with  the  slight  refreshments  ordered 
by  the  doctor.  She  cleared  off  the  odious-looking  bottles,  and 
arranged  the  tray  upon  the  table  by  my  bedside,  and  looked  so 
happy  while  doing  so,  that  I  could  only  follow  her  movements  in 
silent  admiration. 

"  The  idea,"  she  said,  "  of  your  ordering  a  beefsteak  for  supper  ! 
And  I  should  have  given  it  to  you  if  it  had  not  been  for  father, 
who  laughed  at  me." 


A   HANDSOME   NURSE.  133 

She  raised  me  up,  and  washed  my  face  and  hands,  and  talked 
all  the  time,  but  would  not  allow  me  to  answer.  But  after  my 
scant  meal  it  was  imperatively  ordered  that  I  should  go  to  sleep 
again,  and  I  went  without  the  slightest  trouble,  and  waked  up  to 
find  Mr.  Cherington  at  my  bedside. 

44  Well,  how  do  you  feel  this  morning,  Charles?"  he  asked. 

"  Quite  fresh." 

44  That  is  right.  Your  improvement  will  be  rapid,  I  have  no 
doubt.  I  must  go  to  the  store  ;  but  I  shall  leave  you  in  the  care 
of  Julia.  She  will  read  you  some  extracts  from  Boston  news- 
papers. Your  parents  are  well,  and  we  have  letters  for  you  ;  but 
it  is  not  desirable  that  you  should  read  them  at  present." 

I  had  Julia  for  company  that  day.  She  read  to  me  and  talked 
to  me,  and  so  the  hours  passed  quickly  until  night,  when  Dr. 
Pendergrast,  own  physician  to  the  king  and  all  his  cabinet, 
called. 

44  We're  improving,"  he  said,  "  very  rapidly  improving. '  I 
must  show  you  to  the  king,  after  you  are  well,  as  an  evidence  of 
my  skill.  He'll  be  pleased  at  my  success.  How  is  your  appe- 
tite?" 

44  Ferocious." 

44  A  good  sign.  You  are  doing  well.  I  spoke  to  the  king 
about  you,  and  he  will  be  delighted  to  see  you.  Perhaps  you  are 
not  aware  of  it,  but  no  other  man  in  the  kingdom  could  have 
brought  you  through  in  the  manner  I  did.  It's  a  great  triumph 
of  medical  skill." 

44  Don't  you  think  it  would  be  a  greater  triumph  by  allowing 
me  to  eat  something?" 

"  All  in  good  time.  Miss  Cheriugton,  he  may  discontinue  the 
drops,  but  take  the  powders  regularly,  and  increase  his  food  to 
two  pieces  of  chicken  and  a  piece  of  dry  toast." 

Then  the  doctor  punched  me  once  or  twice,  and  left  the  house. 

44  Julia,"  I  said,  after  the  lamps  were  lighted,  t4  how  long  have 
I  been  sick  ?  " 

41  O,  you  are  a  naughty  boy,  and  must  not  ask  questions,"  was 
the  evasive  answer. 

44  But  I  am  serious  in  my  demand." 

44  Then  I  will  tell  you  to-morrow." 

44  There  is  another  question  I  want  to  ask  of  you,"  I  said, 
44  Why  was  I  arrested?" 


134  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Instead  of  receiving  an  answer,  Miss  Julia  commenced  crying, 
and  left  the  room  quite  abruptly,  which  I  thought  strange,  and  I 
did  not  see  her  again  until  the  next  morning,  when  Dr.  Pender- 
grast  judged  that  I  could  sit  up  for  a  while  ;  and  after  I  was  up, 
and  reclining  in  an  old-fashioned  rocking-chair,  with  a  neat  dress- 
ing-gown and  embroidered  slippers,  Miss  Cherington  made  her 
appearance,  looking  more  beautiful  than  I  had  ever  seen  her. 

"What  shall  I  do  to  amuse  you?"  she  asked,  as  she  took  a 
seat  by  my  side. 

The  window  where  I  sat  was  open,  and  I  could  look  out  upon 
the  harbor  and  see  the  shipping  and  the  boats  moving  about. 
At  our  feet  were  the  houses  of  foreign  residents,  substantial 
white  wooden  structures,  surrounded  with  trees  and  gardens,  in 
which  bloomed  flowers  and  fruit  trees  the  year  round.  It  was  my 
first  near  view  of  Honolulu  ;  and  no  wonder  I  was  astonished  at 
the  paradise  which  met  my  gaze,  and  that  I  forgot  to  answer  the 
question  which  Julia  put  to  me.  She  laid  one  of  her  little  white 
hands  upon  my  arm,  and  that  recalled  my  wandering  thoughts. 

"  I  was  wondering  why  a  person  should  ever  wish  to  leave  such 
a  paradise  as  this,"  I  said. 

"  Do  you  think  it  so  very  beautiful  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  I  never  saw  a  spot  more  lovely,"  I  answered.  "  What  an 
air  of  comfort  pervades  the  entire  town  !  Your  dwellings  are  as 
good  as  those  found  in  New  England,  and  seem  to  have  every 
convenience." 

"  And  why  should  they  not?  "  she  laughed.  "  They  were  erected 
by  New  England  mechanics,  and  designed  by  New  England  archi- 
tects. Everything  can  be  obtained  here  for  the  building  of  a  house  ; 
not  only  plain  ones,  but  even  those  ornamented  with  carved  work. 

"  The  longer  I  look  at  the  town  the  more  I  am  delighted  with 
it,"  I  said.  "  I  should  never  wish  to  leave  it,  it  seems  to  me." 

"  Did  you  never  possess  such  feelings  before?"  she  asked,  with 
a  malicious  smile,  which  quickly  gave  place  to  one  of  gravity. 

I  blushed,  for  I  recollected  that  only  a  short  time  before  I  had 
told  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gangle,  when  I  was  conversing  with  him,  that 
I  never  desired  to  leave  the  kanaka  village.  I  looked  up,  and 
saw  that  Miss  Cherington's  black  eyes  were  fixed  upon  my  face. 
My  own  fell ;  and  once  more  sought  the  harbor. 

"  What  shall  I  do  to  amuse  you?"  Julia  asked  at  length,  after 
punishing  me  sufficiently. 


LETTERS    FROM    HOME.  135 

"  I  leave  it  to  your  own  invention.  Only  don't  wound  me  with 
such  cruel  remarks  as  you  just  made." 

a  You  poor  boy,  I  did  not  intend  to  hurt  your  feelings.  I 
meant  to  show  you  that  you  did  not  yet  know  your  own  mind. 
You  are  so  fickle  that  I  believe  you  would  be  contented  in  most 
any  spot  for  a  while,  and  then  risk  your  life  to  escape  from  it. 
You  are  impulsive,  but  I  don't  think  you  really  mean  to  be  bad." 

"  A  thousand  thanks  for  your  good  opinion,"  I  cried.  "  I 
asked  you  last  night  how  long  I  had  been  sick. 

*'  O,  a  long  time,"  she  answered.  "  But  do  you  think  you  are 
strong  enough  to  talk  of  the  matter?" 

"  I  feel  very  comfortable,"  I  answered. 

"  And  happy  ?  "  she  whispered. 

"  No,  not  quite  happy,"  I  replied. 

"  What  do  you  desire  ?  " 

"  Health,  wealth,  and  your  respect." 

"  Health  you  soon  will  have  ;  wealth  will  depend  upon  your- 
self; and  my  respect  upon  your  future  actions." 

"And  you  are  willing  to  forgive  the  past?"  I  whispered. 

"  I  forgive  nothing,  for  I  have  nothing  to  forgive.  You  must 
learn  wisdom  and  self-respect  before  you  can  expect  your  friends 
to  love  you." 

Before  I  could  frame  a  reply,  Mr.  Cherington  entered  the  room. 

"  Good  morning,  Charles,"  he  said,  shaking  my  hand  with 
gentle  warmth.  "You  are  getting  along  bravely,  my  lad.  In  a 
week's  time  you  can  be  out." 

"  You  must  not  hurry  him,  father,"  the  young  lady  remarked. 
"  He  is  doing  very  well  under  my  treatment." 

"  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  he  will  soon  tire  of  it.  Now  I 
have  come  to  talk  with  him,  and  thus  relieve  you.  You  can  soon 
return,"  her  father  said,  as  the  door  closed  upon  her. 

Mr.  Cherington  took  a  seat  by  my  side,  and  produced  a  pack- 
age of  letters,  which  he  handed  me. 

"  These  are  from  your  parents,"  he  said.  "  Your  father  is  not 
very  complimentary,  but  you  can  rea'd  for  yourself."  v 

I  broke  the  seal  of  my  father's  letter,  and  read  as  follows  :  — 

"  Mr  DEAR  CHARLES  :  You're  a  fool.  What  did  you  want 
to  leave  home  for  ?  And  what  in  the  name  of  thunder  made  you 
ship  on  board  of  a  whaler  ?  We  supposed  that  you  were  drowned, 


136  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

and  I  offered  a  reward  for  your  body.  I  had  the  whole  police 
force  after  you.  I  don't  understand  it  yet.  A  boy  who  has  had 
the  advantages  you  have  had  should  not  have  left  home  so  sud- 
denly. My  old  friend,  Mr.  Cherington,  speaks  highly  of  you,  and 
thinks  that  you  will  be  contented  at  the  Sandwich  Islands.  I 
know  better.  You  can't  be  contented  unless  you  have  a  mother 
looking  after  you.  If  you  want  to  remain  at  Honolulu  for  a 
while,  I  have  no  objection  ;  or  if  you  can  go  into  business  there 
and  make  a  good  thing  of  it,  I  will  let  you  have  the  money,  say 
from  five  thousand  to  ten  thousand  dollars  ;  but  I  want  Mr.  Cher- 
iugton's  approval,  and  if  he  is  satisfied,  draw  on  me.  I  have 
done  pretty  well,  lately.  I  was  elected  an  alderman  on  the  10th, 
and  I've  just  sold  some  of  my  land  for  five  times  the  amount  I 
paid  for  it.  I  made  a  cool  forty  thousand  dollars  by  the  operation, 
and  I  shall  do  as  well  by  the  other  lot  on  Washington  Street,  near 
the  Neck.  The  city  wants  it  for  a  square  ;  but  the  city  has  got 
to  come  down  squarely  with  the  cash  before  it  gets  it.  Old  Fair- 
child  asked  after  you  the  other  day,  and  said  that  it  would  not  be 
a  bad  idea  for  us  to  unite  houses  by  marriage.  He  has  got  a 
pretty  daughter,  and  my  son  used  to  be  a  decent-looking  boy.  I 
asked  him  what  he  would  give  the  girl,  and  he  said,  as  much  as 
1  would  you.  I  thought  that  I  would  let  him  know  that  the.  gro- 
cery business  is  as  profitable  as  the  hide  and  leather ;  so  I  said, 
kinder  carelessly,  that  when  you  married,  I  should  give  you  fifty 
thousand  dollars  to  start  with.  That  made  him  stare  ;  and  after 
a  moment's  hesitation,  he  said  that  he  would  do  the  same.  So, 
you  see,  if  you  want  to  come  home  and  settle  down,  here  is  a 
chance.  I'll  take  you  in  partnership,  and  get  you  nominated  for 
the  common  council,  where  you  can  get  a  very  good  thing  if 
you  are  smart ;  aad  in  course  of  time  you  can  run  for  alderman, 
and  if  elected,  your  fortune  is  made.  I  long  to  see  you,  you 
young  rascal,  for  I  feel  that  I  love  you  much  better  than  I  sup- 
posed I  did.  If  you  remain  at  the  Islands,  I  shall  consign  to 
you  a  number  of  articles,  and  you  may  sell  them  on  commis- 
sion. I  shall  write  by  the  next  ship." 

I  read  the  letter  over  carefully. 

*'  Your  father  is  prospering,  he  tells  me,"  said  Mr.  Cherington. 
"  Yes,"  I  answered,  and  I  placed  my  letter  in  his  hand.  "  There 
is  nothing  iu  it  which  I  need  keep  secret  from  you.*' 


NO   BETTER   AND    NO    WORSE.  137 

He  read  the  letter  very  deliberately,  and  then  handed  it  back. 

"  Your  father's  letters  to  me  speak  about  your  engaging  in 
business  here ;  but  on  that  subject  we  can  talk  after  you  have 
grown  stronger.  You  have  a  bright  prospect  ahead,  if  you  will 
only  try  to  improve  it." 

"  I  shall  need  a  little  money,"  I  hinted,  "  to  purchase  clothing 
for  my  new  position." 

"  I  will  advance  what  is  necessary.  Give  yourself  no  uneasi- 
ness on  that  score.  My  house  is  your  home  as  long  as  you  re- 
main in  Honolulu." 

I  expressed  my  thanks,  and  then  the  old  gentleman  was  about 
to  leave  me,  when  I  detained  him. 

"  Can  you  tell  me  on  what  ground  I  was  arrested  by  the  sol- 
diers, and  whether  I  am  still  regarded  as  a  prisoner  ?  " 

"  I  have  seen  the  Secretary  of  State,"  he  said,  u  and  have  se- 
cured your  release  and  permission  to  remain  on  the  island  as  long 
as  you  may  be  disposed  to." 

"  But  why  was  I  arrested  ?  "  I  asked,  more  earnestly. 

"  I  think  that  the  Secretary  was  informed  that  you  were  not 
leading  a  moral  life  at  the  village  of  Kammaira,  and  that  it  was 
better  for  you  to  be  removed.  He  will,  probably,  explain  all 
some  day." 

"  Does  Miss  Cherington  believe  the^  slanders  which  were  circu- 
lated respecting  me?"  I  asked,  after  a  moment's  hesitation. 

"  She  is  young,  and  has  seen  but  little  of  life.  She  has  confi- 
dence in  human  nature  and  in  man's  honesty.  After  she  has  re- 
sided on  the  island  as  long  as  I  have,  she  will  not  be  so  credulous. 
Men  change  wonderfully  after  leaving  Cape  Horn.  You  have 
not  acted  worse  than  others,  and  —  " 

UI  thank  Heaven  for  that !  "  I  exclaimed. 

"  And  no  better,"  the  old  gentleman  continued,  which  rather 
took  me  aback. 

My  cautious  friend  left  me,  and  I  was  alone  to  read  my  moth- 
er's letter.  It  was  a  long  and  affectionate  epistle,  blaming  me 
for  not  confiding  my  grief  to  her,  and  for  my  cruel  conduct  in 
leaving  home.  The  reading  of  the  letter  made  me  melancholy  ; 
and  I  found  that  I  would  have  to  retire  to  the  bed  and  rest,  unless 
I  ran  the  risk  of  over-exerting  my  strength.  I  touched  a  bell,  and 
a  kanaka  servant  —  a  young  and  willing  fellow  —  waited  upon 
me,  aiid  by  his  aid  I  was  soon  comfortable. 


138  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Miss  Julia  gone  out,  sir,"  the  man  said,  after  he  had  darkened 
the  room.  "  She  will  be  back  by  noon." 

I  was  so  fatigued  that  I  fell  asleep,  and  did  not  awaken  until 
afternoon ;  and  then  I  found  upon  the  table,  at  my  elbow,  a 
bouquet  of  fragrant  flowers  and  half  a  dozen  large  golden-hued 
oranges. 

I  felt  refreshed  and  strengthened  by  my  rest,  and  was  anxious 
once  more  to  try  the  virtues  of  an  easy-chair.  I  touched  tho 
bell  that  stood  upon  the  table,  and  the  kanaka  was  promptly  at 
my  side. 

"  The  family  are  just  eating  dinner,"  he  said,  "  and  will  be  with 
you  as  soon  as  they  have  finished.  What  can  I  serve  you  with  ?  " 

"  Help  me  to  that  chair  first,  and  some  dinner  afterwards,"  I 
answered. 

The  smiling  kanaka,  who  could  speak  better  English  than  I 
could  the  language  of  his  country,  assisted  me  to  rise,  dressed  me 
with  what  clothes  were  necessary,  opened  the  windows,  and  drew 
back  the  curtains,  and  left  me  to  enjoy  the  glorious  view  which  I 
had  looked  upon  in  the  morning. 

Presently  in  came  Mr.  Cherington'and  Julia. 

"  Did  you  notice  the  beautiful  flowers  which  I  placed  by  your 
bedside  while  you  slept  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  I  did,  and  thanked  you  in  my  heart  for  the  gift,"  I  remarked. 

"  Julia  is  very  skilful  in  arranging  bouquets,"  Mr.  Cheriugton 
said.  "  I  wish  that  she  would  exercise  her  talent  a  little  oftener, 
and  decorate  my  room." 

"  So  1  will  when  you  are  sick." 

"  Well,  I  don't  care  to  be  sick,  even  for  the  flowers.  But 
while  we  are  talking,  Charles  is  starving.  What  is  he  to  dine 
on?" 

44  O,  I  have  some  delicious  broth  for  him.  The  doctor  says 
that  it  is  strengthening.  And  for  dessert  I  have  a  nice  orange 
and  some  splendid  jelly." 

"  1  am  ready  to  meet  it  face  to  face,"  I  said  ;  and  I  soon  Lad 
an  opportunity. 

From  that  time  my  recovery  was  rapid,  and  in  a  week  I  was 
able  to  ride  out  and  view  the  town.  I  rode  out  with  Julia  every 
day,  for  Mr.  Cherington  not  only  kept  his  horses  and  carriage, 
but  he  was  very  particular  that  they  should  be  as  showy  as  could 
be  found  on  the  island.  Sometimes  the  old  gentleman  joined  us 


A   HONOLULU   COSTUME.  139 

of  an  afternoon  ;  but  we  generally  went  alone,  and  I  willingly 
dispensed  with  his  company.  It  was  dangerous  wor-k  for  a  young 
man  of  nineteen  to  sit  by  the  side  of  a  young  lady  of  seventeen, 
day  after  day ;  and  as  my  health  became  established,  J  found  that 
I  was  gradually  forgetting  my  passion  for  Lilly,  and  thinking 
more  and  more  of  the  bright  eyes  and  clear  skin  of  Julia,  and 
hoping  that  I  was  not  indifferent  to  her.  I  ordered  linen  shirts 
by  the  dozen,  and  grumbled  terribly  if  my  washerwoman  did  not 
polish  them  until  they  shone  like  a  mirror.  I  affected  tight  shoes 
and  white  stockings,  and  changed  the  latter  three  times  a  day  if  I 
had  visits  to  make  in  the  evening  in  company  with  Julia.  I  wore 
the  whitest  of  linen  coats,  and  the  neatest  of  linen  pants,  and  the 
most  delicate  of  vests,  and  sported  a  Panama  hat  that  was  a 
marvel  of  workmanship  and  purity.  I  purchased  a  chronometer 
watch  from  a  reduced  sea  captain,  and  then  bought  a  chain  to 
match ;  but  still  Mr.  Cherington  made  no  complaint,  but  honored 
my  drafts  without  a  murmur.  A  month  passed  on,  and  still  Mr. 
Cheriugton  had  said  not  one  word  of  business.  I  visited  his 
store  every  day,  and  found  that  he  dealt  in  most  everything  which 
a  ship  would  want,  or  a  landsman  require.  He  traded  with  whale- 
men, merchant  ships,  and  men-of-war ;  and  I  judged  that  his 
profits  were  large.  One  day  I  was  seated  in  his  counting-room, 
reading  the  last  number  of  the  Honolulu  Advertiser,  when  he 
came  in  and  took  a  seat  by  my  side. 

"  You  feel  quite  well,"  he  said,  after  scanning  my  neat  appear- 
ance with  a  calm  smile. 

"  Never  felt  better,"  I  answered. 

"  And  you  have  no  desire  to  go  back  to  kanaka  life?"  my  friend 


"  None,"  I  answered  with  a  sigh,  for  I  thought  of  Lilly. 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.  I  suppose  you  are  anxious  for  some- 
thing to  occupy  your  time." 

"  I  am  doing  very  well  at  present." 

"  But  you  must  have  something  to  occupy  your  mind.  You 
wish  to  remain  on  the  island  for  a  few  years,  I  understand." 

"  For  a  lifetime,"  I  answered,  warmly. 

"  We  will  make  arrangements  for  a  few  years,  and  see  if 
you  don't  get  restless.  Do  you  wish  to  enter  my  employment 
as  a  clerk?  I  can  give  you  a  position  as  such  as  long  as  you 
desire." 


140  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  should  prefer  some  other  position,"  I  remarked,  after  a 
moment's  reflection. 

"  "What  other  position  would  you  like?     Speak  freely." 

u  My  father  spoke  of  advancing  money  in  case  I  was  disposed 
to  enter  into  business  arangements  here,"  I  said,  after  a  lengthy 
pause.. 

"  I  know  that  he  did,  and  I  am  willing  to  second  you  in  any 
manner  in  my  power." 

"  Then,"  I  replied,  "  I  should  like  to  become  a  partner  in  your 
house.  I  will  work  cheerfully,  and  in  a  few  months  hope  to 
be  able  to  take  much  care  and  labor  from  your  shoulders." 

The  old  gentleman  did  not  answer  me  for  some  time.  At  last 
he  took  from  his  safe  a  ledger  and  opened  it. 

"  My  business,"  he  said,  u  is  much  more  extensive  than  you 
suppose,  and  the  profits  are  large.  I  have  no  desire  for  a  partner, 
yet  as  I  am  growing  old  and  I  have  taken  a  fancy  to  you,  I  will 
allow  you  one  third  of  the  concern,  at  a  fair  valuation,  and  you 
may  select  any  business  man  on  the  island  to  be  the  judge." 

"  My  dear  friend,"  I  cried,  "  I  will  leave  that  matter  entirely 
to  you.  I  am  not  acquainted  with  trade,  and  it  will  take  me 
some  time  to  learn  it  thoroughly." 

"  The  profits  of  my  business  the  past  year,"  said  Mr.  Cherington, 
calling  my  attention  to  a  page  of  the  ledger,  "  were  a  trifle  over 
twenty  thousand  dollars ;  the  year  before,  eighteen  thousand ; 
the  year  previous,  sixteen  thousand.  The  losses  have  been 
trifling.  Now,  to  admit  you  to  share  one  third  of  such  a  business, 
I  shall  charge  you  the  sum  of  eight  thousand  dollars." 

"  Before  I  accept  or  reject  the  proposition,"  I  cried,  "  tell  me 
how  much  money  you  will  allow  me  to  draw  out  of  the  concern 
for  current  expenses." 

"  How  much  do  you  think  you  will  need?"  my  friend  asked, 
with  a  calm  smile. 

"  I  want  to  make  a  good  appearance,"  I  said,  "  and  I  can't  do 
that  unless  I  have  a  good  wardrobe  and  money  in  my  pocket  to 
pay  my  stable  bills." 

"  My  horses  and  carriages  are  at  your  service  any  time  you 
wish  to  ride,"  my  friend  remarked. 

"  How  can  I  thank  you  for  such  kindness  ?  "  I  cried,  with  some 
emotion. 

"By  taking  Julia  with  you  on  some  of  your  excursions,"  ha 
answered. 


A   NEW   FIRM.  141 

"  Take  her  with  me  !  "  I  cried  with  warmth  ;  "  why,  I  should 
not  want  to  go  unless  she  was  with  me." 

"  Ah,  is  that  the  case?  "  the  old  gentleman  exclaimed,  dryly; 
44  then  I  don't  see  that  we  need  quarrel  about  that.  Julia  is  eager 
to  go,  and  you  anxious  for  her  company.  There  is  no  occasion 
for  a  dispute  on  that  score,  unless  you  and  the  girl  spat  it  a  little 
for  variety." 

"  I  cannot  quarrel  with  Miss  Cherington,"  I  said. 

44  That  is  what  I  used  to  think,  before  I  was  married  ;  "  and  the 
good  man  sighed. 

44  Then  I  have  a  board  bill  to  pay,"  I  continued,  enumerating 
my  expenses. 

44  Are  you  contented  where  you  are?"  Mr.  Cherington  asked. 

44  Indeed  I  am,"  I  answered,  most  promptly. 

44  Then  you  shall  stay  there  until  you  tire  of  our  company  ;  and 
to  save  your  independence,  your  board  shall  commence  on  the  day 
that  we  sign  articles  of  copartnership.  Until  then  I  consider  you 
my  guest.  Does  that  suit  you  ?  " 

I  could  only  press  his  hand. 

44  What  say  you,  Charles,  of  the  propositions?"  asked  my 
friend,  with  a  calm  smile. 

44  That  I  accept  them  with  much  pleasure,  and  will  strive  to 
merit  your  commendations  as  a  partner." 

44  Well,  then,  let  us  go  to  dinner ;  I  see  it  is  time.  Give  ino 
your  arm,  and  walk  slow." 


CHAPTER   IX. 

A   NEW    FIRM. 

TN  a  few  days  the  necessary  papers  were  made  out,  and  I  was 
introduced  to  the  foreign  residents  of  Honolulu  as  the  junior 
partner  of  the  great  house  of  Cherington  &  Co.  In  a  few  weeks 
I  was  able  to  ta'ke  charge  of  the  books  of  the  concern,  and  was 
very  proud  of  my  penmanship,  as  I  recorded  the  various  transac- 
tions of  the  firm  upon  the  white  pages.  During  my  leisure  hours 
I  made  many  acquaintances  and  received  many  invitations  to 


142  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

bachelor  quarters ;  but  as  I  was  in  love,  I  preferred  to  spend  my 
evenings  at  home,  hearing  Julia  sing,  or  else  chat  with  her  upon 
the  events  of  the  day. 

One  day,  as  I  was  going  home,  some  one  brushed  past  me,  and 
then  stopped  directly  in  my  path.  I  thought  the  man  intoxi- 
cated, and  inclined  to  assert  his  right  to  the  whole  of  the  side- 
sidewalk,  so  stepped  to  the  wall,  and  was  passing  on  without  a 
•word,  when  a  familiar  voice  saluted  me. 

"  Blast  -my  eyes,  but  doesn't  you  know  a  shipmate  when  you 
sees  him?" 

"  Jack,"  I  cried,  overjoyed  to  see  the  man,  and  shaking  hands 
most  heartily,  u  where  did  you  come  from?" 

"Same  old  place  where  you  left  me  when  the  sojers  carried 
you  off.  I  haven't  been  in  town  but  an  hour  or  two." 

"  And  Will  and  Jake  —  where  are  they?  "  I  asked. 

"  They  is  down  to  the  boat  waiting  for  me." 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you,  and  shall  be  happy  to  shake  hands  with 
the  rest  of  my  shipmates.  But  I  have  not  time  to  go  to  the  dock 
now." 

"All  right,  maty.  It's  just  as  well.  We  didn't  come  here  to 
interfere  with  your  business,  'cos  now  you  is  a  gentleman,  and  can 
walk  the  quarter-deck,  and  we  is  fore'stle  men,  and  knows  our 
place." 

"  But  I  want  to  see  you  and  talk  with  you,"  I  cried,  feeling  a 
little  hurt  at  his  remarks.  "  I  have  not  forgotten  you  and  your 
kindness,  and  I  never  shall." 

"  That  may  be,  Pepper,  but  it  would  not  do  for  us  to  be  seen  on 
equal  terms  here.  Your  partner  wouldn't  like  that,  you  know." 

"  How  do  you  know  about  my  partner?  "  I  asked., 

"  O,  Kamaka  visits  us  sometimes,  and  yarns  off  the  news." 

So  it  seemed  that  Karnaka  was  well  aware  of  my  movements, 
although  I  knew  nothing  of  him.  There  was  one  question 
that  I  wanted  to  ask,  yet  feared  to,  and  I  tremblingly  awaited 
Jack's  communication  on  the  subject.  He  saw  by  my  looks  that 
I  was  uneasy,  and  said  : 

"What  is  it,  Pepper?" 

"  You  know  what  I  would  be  informed  of.     Is  she  alive?  " 

"  O,  Lilly,"  he  cried.  "  Ah,  I  recollect.  She  is  not  so  well  as 
she  used  to  be.  She  took  your  sailing  to  heart,  and  for  two 
months  she  didn't  show  her  face  outside  of  her  father's  house. 


NEWS    OF    LILLY.  143 

The  natives  thought  she  would  die,  'cos  she  busted  a  blood-vessel ; 
but  the  old  women  give  her  some  roots  and  yarbs,  and  she  come 
round  arter  a  while  ;  but  she  don't  sing  now." 

"  Does  she  know  that  I  am  here?"  I  asked. 

"  O,  yes ;  Kamaka  told  her  all  about  it,  and  a  good  deal  that 
wasn't  true,  I  think,  'cos  I  saw  'em  talking,  and  she  was  crying." 

"  The  rascal !     Why  don't  you  drive  him  from  the  village  ?  " 

"  So  we  did,  arter  you  was  gone  a  little  while  ;  but  then  the 
gneak  come  back,  and  give  us  the  news  about  you,  and  as  we  had 
no  other  way  of  hearing  of  you,  we  let  him  come." 

"  And  Lilly's  father  ;  is  he  well?  " 

"  The  old  fellow  smokes  and  bathes  as  much  as  ever,  but  he 
don't  seem  lively  since  you  left  us." 

I  felt  a  pang  of  remorse  as  I  recollected  how  I  promised  to  re- 
turn and  marry  Lilly,  and  be  a  chief  in  the  village. 

u  We  is  quite  contented  at  the  town,"  Jack  continued,  not 
noticing  my  internal  struggles.  "  We  has  each  of  us  got  a  wife,  and 
they  takes  care  of  our  clothes,  and  we  supplies  'em  with  fish  ;  and 
if  we  only  had  a  little  tobacco  to  smoke,  we  should  have  no  cause 
to  complain." 

"  You  don't  mean  to  tell  me  that  Will  has  a  wife." 

"  No,  we  wouldn't  let  the  boy  take  one ;  but  he  grumbled  some 
at  us  'cos  we  refused  our  consent.  Boys  don't  know  much  —  do 
they?" 

"  Is  Will  contented  at  the  village?  "  I  asked. 

"  Well,  sometimes  he  is,  and  then  agin  he  ain't.  I  come  to 
see  you  on  his  account." 

"  Indeed !  " 

"  Yes  ;  you  know  that  Will  has  got  an  old  mother  to  support, 
and  I  don't  think  it  right  for  the  boy  to  sojer  his  time  away  doing 
nothing,  like  me  and  Jake.  We  don't  care,  you  know.  A  day  or 
a,  year  is  no  object  to  us,  but  'tis  to  Will.  Now  you  can  give  him 
something  to  do  here  in  town." 

"  I  am  glad  you  spoke  of  the  matter,"  I  said,  for  I  had  often 
thought  of  some  way  to  relieve  Will,  and  yet  did  not  know  how 
to  go  to  work  to  do  it.  "  If  he  will  remain  here  with  me,  he  shall 
have  a  salary  and  something  to  do." 

u  I  knew  you  would  help  Will,"  Jack  cried,  seizing  my  hand' 
and  wringing  it  most  heartily.  u  You  jest  talk  to  him  to-morrow, 
and  he'll  stop  here.  You  tell  him  it's  all  for  the  best." 


144  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  promised  that  I  would,  and  then  Jack  looked  me  all  over,  and 
shaded  his  eyes  as  he  did  so,  pretending  that  my  appearance 
dazzled  him. 

"You  is  all  rigged  out  like  a  new  frigate  jest  from  the  dock," 
he  said.  "  You  don't  look  as  though  you  had  slushed  down  masts 
and  tarred  down  ropes.  Let's  see  your  hands,  if  it  ain't  too  much 
work  to  peel  them  things  off  of  'em." 

He  meant  a  pair  of  white  silk  gloves  which  I  wore  for  the  pur- 
pose of  shielding  my  hands  from  the  hot  sun,  and  preserving  their 
whiteness.  It  will  be  seen  that  I  was  fast  merging  into  the  habits 
of  a  dandy.  I  was  not  asHamed  to  show  my  hand,  for  all  the 
stains  contracted  on  board  the  whaler  were  removed.  Jack  lifted 
it  up  in  a  dainty  manner,  and  examined  my  palm,  and'  then 
dropped  it  with  a  sigh. 

"  It  looks  cleaner  than  it  used  to,"  he  said,  "  but  is  it  as  honest 
a  paw  as  it  was  when  I  showed  it  how  to  use  a  marliuspike  and  a 
sarvin'  mallet?" 

"  It  is  a  hand  that  is  at  your  service  at  any  time,  friend  Jack," 
I  replied. 

"  Ah,  boy,  time  changes  men's  hearts  as  well  as  their  hair. 
You  is  fresh  and  green  to-day,  and  to-morrow  you  is  —  well, 
blast  me  if  I  know  what  you  is  to-morrow." 

"  Then  you  mean  that  I  am  green  to-day?"  I  asked,  laughing. 

"  That's  'em  ; "  and  the  old  salt  shut  his  larboard  eye  and 
winked.  "  All  boys  is  green,"  he  continued,  "  and  don't  know 
much  till  they  has  been  afloat  a  dozen  viges  or  so." 

"  I  must  leave  you  now,"  I  said,  "  but  will  see  you  to-morrow 
forenoon.  Call  at  the  store.  Ask  any  ojie  where  we  keep,  and 
you  will  be  directed  right.  Now,  where  do  you  propose  to  spend 
the  night?" 

*'  In  the  boat,"  he  answered,  promptly. 

"  No,  that  won't  do.  Here  is  money.  Go  to  the  hotel,  and  all 
have  supper  and  breakfast,  and  I  will  see  you  in  the  morning. 
Remember,  no  liquor,  Jack.  It  will  get  you  into  trouble." 

"  Not  a  drop,"  he  answered ;  and  then  we  shook  hands  and 
parted. 

The  next  morning  one  of  the  clerks  entered  the  counting-room, 
'  and  said,  — 

There  are  three  sailors  in  the  front  store  who  wish  to  speak 
with  you." 


HITTING   HOME.  145 

I  went  out,  and  saw,  surrounded  by  boxes  of  tobacco,  pipes, 
and  bales  of  goods,  my  friends  Jack,  Will,  and  Jake. 

"  Good  Lord,  is  dat  Mr.  Pepper?'.'  Jake  asked,  surveying  my 
personal  appearance  with  looks  of  astonishment. 

"  Blast  yer  eyes,  can't  you  see  it  is?  "  said  Jack.  "  I  knowed 
him  the  minute  I  seed  him." 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you,"  I  cried.  "  Now  take  seats,  and  tell  me 
all  the  news." 

"  I  kotched  fifty  fish  day  afore  yesterday,"  Jake  said.  "  Golly, 
didn't  I  snake  'em  in." 

"  What  do  you  'spose  Pepper  cares  about  that?  "  Jack  growled. 
"  Tell  him  some  news.  My  wife  says  you  must  come  and  see  us 
one  of  these  days." 

"  Who  married  you,  Jack?  "  I  asked. 

**  Well,  we  jumped  over  the  broomstick,  I  s'pect.  That's  about 
all  the  marriage  I  had.  It  answers  just  as  well  as  any  other,  I 
s'pose.  My  wife  obeys  me,  and  'tain't  every  wife  that  does,  you 
know." 

"  I  am  glad  to  hear,"  I  remarked,  addressing  Will,  and  speak- 
ing very  gravely,  "  that  you  have  no  thoughts  of  taking  a  wife." 

"  O,  but  I  did  want  one,"  answered  the  young  rascal,  promptly. 
"  Jack  said  I  shouldn't  have  one,  and  the  old  chief  backed  him 
up  ;  so  no  young  girl  dared  to  accept  of  me." 

"  Think  how  it  would  have  grieved  your  mother  had  she  heard 
of  such  actions,"  I  remarked. 

"  I  don't  think  that  you've  got  much  to  boast  of,"  Will  said,  a 
little  inclined  to  be  sulky.  u  I  s'pose  I've  got  a  right  to  have  a 
wife  as  well  as  you." 

I  sighed  at  such  depravity,  and  thought  what  I  should  say  in 
reply. 

"  I  had  no  wife,  and  have  none  at  the  present  time,"  I  said. 

"  O,  that's  all  gammon,  you  know  ;  I've  got  two  eyes,  and  can 
see  things  as  well  as  any  one." 

I  looked  at  the  young  rascal,  and  concluded  that  I  would  not 
argue  with  him  until  I  could  show  a  fair  record. 

"  When  do  you  propose  to  return  to  the  village?"  I  asked  of 
Jack. 

"  O,  we  want  to  be  off  just  as  quick  as  we  can.     You  said 
something  about  some  tobacco  yesterday,  and  if  you  can  afford  to 
give  us  a  few  pounds,  we  shouldn't  take  it  amiss." 
10 


146  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  You  shall  have  a  keg,"  I  said  ;  "  but  I  want  you  to  supply  the 
chief  as  long  as  it  lasts.  He  was  kind  to  ine,  and  I  have  not  for- 
gotten him."  9, 

"  Or  his  daughter,"  cried  Will,  with  a  laugh ;  but  I  frowned 
the  boy  into  silence. 

I  called  a  clerk,  and  told  him  to  put  up  a  number  of  pipes,  a 
box  of  tobacco,  a  piece  of  bright  calico  for  Lilly,  a  looking-glass 
for  the  same  person,  —  for  I  knew  she  was  woman  enough  to  like 
a  glimpse  of  her  face  once  in  a  while,  —  anS  then  I  walked 
towards  the  beach,  where  their  boat  was  hauled  up. 

u  You  haven't  said  one  word  about  Will,"  whispered  Jack,  as 
we  neared  the  boat. 

I  had  not  said  one  word  about  him,  I  very  well  knew.  The 
reason  was,  he  appeared  a  little  too  knowing  for  me.  Perhaps 
Jack  suspected  what  I  thought,  for  he  suddenly  seized  Will  by  the 
collar  of  his  shirt,  and  shook  him  as  though  just  recollecting  an 
old  grudge. 

"  What  is  that  for?  "  asked  Will.     "  What  have  I  been  doing 

BOW?" 

"  Are  you  going  to  tell  me  whether  you  mean  to  go  back  with 
us,  or  stay  here?" 

"  How  can  I  stay  here  when  no  one  has  axed  me?  "  responded 
the  boy. 

"  Will  you  keep  a  quiet  tongue  in  your  head  if  you  does  stay? 
Answer  me  that." 

*'  Of  course  I  can  keep  quiet,  but  I  won't  be  shook  like  that 
and  say  nothing,  now  I  tell  you  ; "  and  Will  looked  his  indignation. 

"  Don't  talk  to  me,  you  boy,"  cried  Jack.  "  You  comes  here, 
and  is  entertained  in  good  style,  arid  yet  you  must  open  your  jaws 
and  reel  off  yarns  —  must  you  ?  " 

u  I  ain't  reeled  off  any  yarns." 

u  Don't  you  go  for  to  answer  back.  Now,  if  Mr.  Pepper  will 
take  charge  of  you,  and  look  arter  you,  will  you  keep  secret-like, 
and  say  nothing  to  nobody  ?  " 

"In  course  I  will,"  was  the  cry.  "Does  you  think  I  is 
leaky?" 

Jack  looked  at  me  to  know  if  that  was  satisfactory.    I  nodded. 

"  You  can  remain  here,  Will,"  I  said,  "  and  I  will  find  some- 
thing for  you  to  do  ;  but  keep  a  still  tongue  in  your  head." 

u  I  understand,  sir.  You  don't  want  me  to  say  one  word  about 
your  old  flame,  Lilly." 


A    FALSE   REPORT.  147 

Jack  caught  the  boy,  and  once  more  shook  him. 

"  There  you  go  agin,  in  spite  of  my  warnin'.  Won't  you  keep 
still?" 

"  Let  me  alone,  or  I'll  knock  thunder  out  of.  you,"  said  the  lad. 

I  made  Jack  release  the  boy,  and  by  the  time  we  reached  the 
water,  the  articles  which  I  had  ordered  were  on  the  beach  and 
put  into  the  boat,  the  same  one  we  had  stolen  from  the  Sally.  I 
saw  that  my  shipmates  had  everything  that  they  needed  for  the 
short  trip  which  they  were  going,  and  after  a  hearty  hand-shaking 
they  shoved  off. 

We  walked  back  to  the  store.  Mr.  Cherington  was  in  the 
counting-room,  and  looked  at,  my  shipmate  with  some  surprise. 

"  Don't  you  recollect  this  lad?"  I  asked  of  my  partner.  "  He 
was  on  board  the  Sally  with  me,  and  showed  me  many  acts  of 
kindness." 

"  O,  I  recollect  him  now.  He  appears  to  be  a  bright  boy, 
Charles,  and  I  think  that  we  can  give  him  something  to  do,  and 
at  a  fair  salary." 

"  We  want  some  one  in  the  store  to  check  off  goods  as  they  are 
received  and  leave  the  premises,"  I  said.  "  When  not  thus  em- 
ployed he  could  visit  vessels,  and  be  very  useful  on  account  of 
his  knowledge  of  seamanship." 

•"  So  he  could.     We  have  long  wanted  such  an  intelligent  boy." 

I  introduced  Will  to  the  clerks,  and  set  him  at  work,  and  he 
seemed  quite  contented  when  he  found  that  he  could  make  a  good 
living. 

That  day  the  dinner  was  not  enlivened  with  conversation,  and 
I  was  glad  when  it  was  fhiished,  for  one  of  the  young  men  of 
Honolulu  had  told  me  a  strange  story,  and  I  was  anxious  to  know 
if  it  was  true.  I  followed  Julia  to  the  sitting-room. 

"Julia,  may  I  not  congratulate  you  upon  your  engagement?"  I 
remarked. 

I  saw  her  face  flush  and  the  work  drop  to  her  lap,  as  though 
too  much  astonished  to  say  a  word.  But  she  rallied  and  made  sail, 
although  I  could  see  that  she  made  considerable  leeway  while 
getting  under  way. 

"  Why,  Charles,  what  do  you  mean  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  Just  what  I  said,"  I  replied.  "  I  have  been  told  that  you 
were  engaged  to  a  naval  officer,  and  I  congratulate  you  ;  but  I  am 
sorry  that  you  did  not  hint  something  of  the  kind  to  me." 


148  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

44  Who  told  you  such  a  story?"  she  asked. 

44  O,  I  caniiot  tell  you." 

44  You  need  not,  sir  ;  I  know.  It  was  that  odious  Hatch.  It 
sounds  just  like  him." 

"  And  do  you  mean  to  tell  me,  Julia,"  I  asked,  moving  my 
chair  a  little  nearer  her  own,  "  that  the  report  is  untrue?" 

44  Of  course  I  do,  sir.  What  could  possess  you  to  believe  such 
a  story?" 

"  Ah,"  I  said,  "  it  was  mostly  on  account  of  that  report  that  I 
have  been  miserable  to-day.  I  felt  as  though  I  had  not  shared 
your  confidence.  I  thought  that  you  might  have  told  me  if  that 
was  the  case.  I  am  sure  you  have  been  to  me  as  a  sister." 

"  A  sister?" 

She  started  as  she  repeated  the  word.  I  saw  her  dark  eyes 
raised  as  though  reproachfully,  and  I  thought  that  there  were 
tears  in  them. 

44  You  will  be  a  sister  to  me — won't  you,  Julia?  "  I  asked. 

There  was  no  response. 

44 1  am  sure,"  I  continued,  "  I  should  be  glad  to  know  that  you 
had  a  good  husband,  and  one  that  would  love  you  as  you  deserve 
to  be  loved." 

Still  there  was  no  response. 

44  Do  you  feel  offended  at  my  words?"  I  asked,  after  a  pause. 

44  O,  no.  Why  should  I?"  she  replied.  44  You  have  been 
kind  to  me,  and  I  thought  at  one  time  that  you  —  " 

She  ceased  speaking,  and  once  more  resumed  her  work. 

44  Will  you  not  finish  your  remarks,  and  tell  me  what  you 
think?" 

44  Why  should  I?     You  only  want  a  sister's  confidence." 

I  gently  removed  the  work  from  her  hands,  and  then  she 
looked  up. 

44  How  can  I  ask  for  any  other  kind  until  I  know  whether  the 
reports  which  I  have  heard  are  true  or  false." 

"Then  I  will  tell  you.  They  are  false.  Does  that  satisfy 
you?" 

44  No." 

She  looked  up  surprised  and  grieved.  I  took  possession  of  one 
of  her  hands. 

44  Julia,"  I  whispered,  gaining  courage  very  fast. 

44  Charles,"  was  the  answer. 


A   CONFESSION.  149 

"  Do  you  know  that  I  have  more  than  a  brother's  love  for  you?" 

"  I  thought  so  at  one  time." 

"  Do  you  not  think  so  now?  " 

"  How  can  I  tell  ?  " 

I  moved  a  little  nearer,  and  accidentally  dropped  one  hand  over 
the  back  of  her  chair,  and  let  it  circle  her  waist. 

"  Julia,"  I  said,  "  since  the  night  we  met  on  board  the  whale- 
ship,  I  have  loved  you." 

"  O,  Charles,  think  before  you  speak.  Consider  the  events  of  < 
the  past  few  months,  and  then  confess  that  at  one  time  I  had 
nearly  faded  from  your  mind." 

"  No,  I  will  think  of  nothing  but  my  love  for  you.  Time  can- 
not change  that." 

She  looked  at  me  with  those  dear  bright  eyes  of  hers,  and  I 
fancied  that  I  saw  hope  expressed  in  them. 

"  Can  you  love  me  a  little,  Julia,  if  you  should  try  very  hard?" 

u  Yes,  I  think  that  I  could  if  I  should  try  very  hard,"  she  an- 
swer-ed,  and  her  eyes  began  to  grow  light  with  mischief. 

"Will  you  try?" 

"  I  will  think  of  it." 

My  happiness  was  so  complete  that  I  did  not  care  to  move ;  so 
I  sat  there  encircling  her  waist  and  holding  one  of  her  hands. 

"  You  think  that  you  like  me  well  enough  for  a  husband?  "  I 
asked  at  length. 

"  I  think  that  I  shall,  after  you  have  grown  a  little  more  stable 
in  mind,"  was  her  answer. 

"  Can  you  believe  me  fickle?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  do  think  so,  Charles.     I  may  as  well  speak  plain.'* 

u  I  never  loved  but  you,"  I  murmured  ;  and  then  before  me  rose 
memories  of  Jenny  Fairchild,  whom  I  had  worshipped,  and  poor 
Lilly,  whom  I  had  been  forced  to  part  from. 

"  We  are  both  too  young  to  think  of  marriage  for  many  years," 
she  said.  "  There  is  time  enough  for  us  to  talk  of  such  matters." 

"  But  I  don't  think  so,"  I  cried,  "  and  you  will  break  my  heart 
with  your  proposals  of  delay." 

"  I  should  be  sorry  to  do  that ;  but  at  least  you  will  consent  to 
wait  until  you  are  twenty-one." 

"  You  don't  love  me,"  I  said,  a  little  pettishly. 

"  Yes,  I  do  ;  but  it  is  your  happiness  and  mine  that  I  am  striv- 
ing to  secure.  Only  think,  if  we  were  married,  and  you  should 
Bee  some  one  you  liked  better  than  myself." 


150  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"But  I  never  shall,"  I  answered,  kissing  her  so  rapturously 
that  for  five  minutes  she  could  not  answer  me  ;  and  while%I  was 
thus  engaged,  the  door  opened  softly,  and  into  the  room  walked 
Mr.  Cheriugton. 

I  think  that  Julia  managed  to  leave  my  arms  about  as  quick  as 
a  distressed  female  could  tear  herself  from  such  a  pleasant  posi- 
tion. I  arose  from  my  seat  and  confronted  my  partner,  and  ap- 
peared as  cool  as  possible  under  the  circumstances. 

"  I  don't  understand  the  meaning  of  this  scene,"  Mr.  Cherington 
said.  "  Will  you,  sir,  be  kind  enough  to  explain  ?  " 

"  I  thought  the  scene  explained  itself,"  I  answered.  "  I  was 
kissing  Julia." 

"By  what  right?" 

"  Love's  attraction,"  I  answered,  although  not  quite  so  bold  as 
before. 

"  I  am  still  in  the  dark,"  he  said. 

While  I  was  thinking  what  excuse  I  should  render,  Julia  came 
to  my  rescue  in  her  calm,  sensible  manner. 

"  Tell  him  all,  Charles,"  she  said. 

"  And  I  should  like  to  be  told  all,"  was  the  reply  of  her  matter- 
of-fact  parent. 

"Well,, sir,  you  shall  know  all.  I  had  just  told  Julia  that  I 
should  like  to  make  her  my  wife  —  that  I  loved  her  dearly  —  and 
she  had  answered  that  although  she  rather  fancied  me,  she  was 
too  young  to  think  of  being  married." 

u  Humph,"  grunted  my  partner  ;  "  what  do  you  suppose  your 
parents  would  say  to  such  an  arrangement?  " 

"  They  would  say  that  I  was  sensible  in  marrying  such  a 
charming  creature." 

"  I  don't  know  about  that ;"  and  then  the  old  gentleman  looked 
thoughtful. 

"  I  hope  you  don't  disapprove  of  my  suit  ?  "  I  said. 

"  Too  young,  too  young,"  he  muttered. 

"I  know  we  are  young,  but  we  are  growing  older  every  day. 
If  you  will  give  your  consent  now,  I  will  wait  as  long  as  you 
please." 

u  If  I  give  my  consent  you  must  promise  to  wait  with  patience 
for  two  years." 

"  Two  years  !  "  I  cried,  horrified  at  the  length  of  time  proposed. 

u  Two  years,"  repeated  Mr.  Cherington. 


A    LITTLE    MYSTERY.  151 

*'  I  consent,"  answered  Julia. 

"  And  you  will  also  consent,  Charles?  It  is  for  your  welfare 
and  that  of  my  child  that  I  make  the  proposition  ;  but  now  I 
must  return  to  business.  Charles,  you  and  Julia  had  better  ride 
out.  The  air  is  delightfully  cool." 

u  Perhaps  I  should  return  with  you,"  I  said,  demurely. 

"  No,  no  ;  I'll  see  to  everything.  Enjoy  yourselves  while  you 
can.  Life  is  short,  and  sometimes  not  over  pleasant.  Be  home 
in  time  for  tea,  and  don't  drive  the  horses  as  though  they  could  be 
made  to  trot  in  less  than  three  minutes  ;  "  and  off  went  the  old 
gentleman. 

We  had  a  pleasant  ride,  and  then  returned  to  town,  stopping 
for  Mr.  Cherington.  I  entered  the  counting-room  to  tell  him  that 
we  were  waiting  for  him  ;  but  saw  that  he  was  holding  a  conver- 
sation with  a  rough-looking  man,  dressed  like  a  sailor.  They 
were  conversing  in  whispers,  but  stopped  when  they  saw  me,  as 
though  I  intruded  upon  them.  At  the  same  time  the  sailor 
hastily  thrust  something  into  his  pocket,  and  then  sat  gazing  at 
my  partner  as  though  anxious  to  know  what  he  should  do. 

4t  The  carriage  is  ready,"  I  said,  looking  at  Mr.  Cherington  and 
the  sailor  with  astonishment. 

"  I  shall  not  go  home  with  you.  I-  am  not  quite  ready.  You 
need  not  wait  for  me,"  my  partner  said. 

"  Very  well,"  I  answered,  and  turned  to  leave. 

"  O !  tell  Julia  that  she  may  prepare  the  west  room  for  com- 
pany, and  also  have  a  good  supper  for  one  or  two  guests." 

"  Somethin'  fresh,  with  a  glass  of  grog  to  top  off  with,"  said 
the  sailor.  "  I  feels  as  though  I  could  eat  double  rations,  I've 
been  kept  short  so  long." 

"  Whom,  in  the  name  of  common  sense,  has  my  partner  picked 
up?"  I  asked  myself;  and  as  I  left  the  two,  their  heads  went 
together,  and  they  re-commenced  whispering. 

"  Where  is  papa?"  asked  Julia. 

"  He  is  in  the  counting-room,  holding  a  close  conversation  with 
a  sailor ;  "  and  then  I  delivered  to  her  Mr.  Cherington's  orders, 
and  she  wondered  as  much  as  myself. 

41  It  must  be  one  of  my  father's  old  shipmates,"  Julia  remarked. 
"  He  meets  with  one  sometimes,  and  then  he  has  to  talk  for  a 
week  about  old  matters." 

I  considered  that  •  might  be  a  proper  solution  of  the  affair,  and 


152  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

thought  no  more  of  it  until  after  dark,  when  Mr.  Cherington 
brought  the  sailor  home,  and  entertained  him  at  supper,  after- 
wards gave  him  a  large  glass  of  punch,  and  then  attempted  to 
get  him  to  bed ;  but  the  seaman  refused  to  move  until  he  had 
emptied  a  bottle  of  brandy,  when  he  began  to  sing  songs  and  act 
in  rather  an  independent  manner,  as  though  he  was  at  home. 

"  Why  don't  you  send  the  fellow  to  the  guard-house?"  I  asked, 
disgusted  with  his  conduct,  and  sympathizing  with  the  alarm 
which  Julia  manifested. 

"  Hush,  my  dear  boy,"  cried  my  partner,  with  a  look  of  dismay. 
"  Don't  say  one  word  to  offend  him.  He  will  retire  to  rest  in  a 
few  minutes." 

"  Not  by  a  d sight,"  retorted  the  bold  mariner.  "  I'm  on 

shore,  and  I'm  going  to  drink  as  much  as  I  please.  I  can  pay 
for  it,  and  I  don't  care  for  any  of  you.  Send  me  to  the  guard- 
house !"  cried  the  fellow,  after  amoment"s  pause  ;  "  I'd  like  to  see 
you  do  it.  I'd  blow  the  yarn  to  every  one  I  met,  and  then  how 
would  you  like  it?  " 

I  saw  that  Mr.  Cherington  was  really  agitated,  and  anxious  for 
me  to  leave.  What  could  be  the  meaning  of  the  secrecy  between 
them  ?  Had  my  partner  at  one  time  committed  some  shocking 
crime,  and  was  the  sailor  acquainted  with  the  mystery?  I  re- 
turned to  the  drawing-room,  where  I  found  Julia  pale  and  agi- 
tated ;  for  the  sailor  had  made  considerable  noise  in  the  house, 
and  frightened  her,  as  well  as  the  kanaka  servants. 

"  What  is  the  meaning  of  this?  "  the  dear  girl  asked. 

"  I  have  not  the  slightest  idea,"  I  answered. 

"  It  is  the  first  time  such  a  scene  has  occurred  in  the  house, 
and  I  trust  that  it  will  be  the  last." 

"  I  trust  so,  too ;  but  I  have  every  confidence  in  your  father, 
and  no  doubt  he  will  explain  the  matter  when  disposed." 

About  eight  o'clock,  one  of  the  servants  informed  me  that  Will 
was  desirous  of  seeing  me  on  business,  and  I  went  to  him  im- 
mediately. The  few  weeks  that  Will  had  been  in  our  employ 
had  produced  quite  a  change  in  his  deportment.  He  was  fast  im- 
proving in  his  duties,  and  had  reached  a  position  which  he  was 
proud  of. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  disturb  you,  Mr.  Allspice,"  he  said  ;  "  but  while 
putting  away  the  books  this  evening,  I  found  on  the-  floor  this 
leather  bag,  filled  with  some  kind  of  yellow  metal.  I  didn't  know 
but  you  would  like  to  hear  of  it ;  so  I  brought  it  to  the  house." 


THE    MYSTERIOUS   BAG.  153 

"  It  would  have  kept  until  morning,"  I  remarked,  with  a  smile, 
and  took  the  bag,  but  was  astonished  to  find  that  its  contents 
were  very  heavy. 

When  I  reached  the  drawing-room,  I  saw  Mr.  Cherington  con- 
versing with  his  daughter. 
.  "  Who  wanted  to  see  you?  "  he  asked,  nervously. 

"  Will.  He  found  this  bag  on  the  floor  of  the  counting-room, 
and  he  thought  you  or  the  sailor  might  have  dropped  it." 

"  Did  Will  mention  the  subject  to  any  one  ?  "  Mr.  Cherington 
asked. 

"  No,  I  think  not." 

"Then,  my  dear  boy,  run  after  the  lad,  and  charge  him  not  to 
say  one  word  of  the  matter  to  any  one." 

"Why,  father,  what  is  the  meaning  of  this  mystery?"  asked 
Julia. 

"  No  matter  —  don't  ask  me  any  questions.  I  cannot  explain, 
and  I  will  not.  Go,  Charles,  and  delay  not  a  moment.  If  the 
lad  has  mentioned  what  he  found,  or  is  disposed  to,  lock  him  up, 
so  that  not  a  soul  can  see  him  until  to-morrow.  Delay  not,  my 
boy." 

I  overtook  Will  just  as  he  was  entering  his  boarding-house. 

"  Will,"  I  asked,  "  have  you  mentioned  to  a  single  person  that 
you  found  that  bag  on  the  floor  of  the  counting-room  ?  " 

"  No,  sir.     Every  one  had  left  the  store  before  me." 

"  All  right.  Keep  a  close  tongue  in  your  head,  and  say  noth- 
ing until  I  tell  you  to.  There  is  some  mystery  connected  with 
the  bag,  and  it  will  be  investigated." 

"  I  hope  that  you  don't  suspect  me  of  anything,"  the  boy  said, 
with  a  tremor  in  his  tone,  which  showed  how  honest  he  was. 

"  You  would  be  the  last  one,  Will,"  I  remarked,  as  I  turned  to 
walk  home.  "  We  have  known  each  other  too  well  for  that," 

"  I  mean  to  be  honest,  at  any  rate,"  he  answered  ;  and  then  I 
left  him  and  went  home,  where  I  found  Mr.  Cherington  in  com- 
pany with  the  sailor,  and  still  allowing  him  to  drink  as  much  as 
he  pleased.  The  mariner,  however,  was  in  the  room  allotted  to 
him  for  the  night,  and  was  too  drunk  to  make  much  noise,  except- 
ing to  roar  out  for  brandy  every  ten  minutes. 

As  soon  as  Mr.  Cherington  saw  me,  he  left  the  sailor's  company. 

"Well,  well,"  he  asked?  "what  is  the  news?  Did  you  sea 
him?" 


154  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Of  course  I  did." 

"  And  he  has  been  silent  —  has  he?" 

"  He  has  not  spoken  a  word  about  finding  the  bag." 

"  Thank  Heaven  !     Then  we  are  safe." 

"  You  mean  that  you  are  safe,"  I  replied. 

"  No,  sir,  I  mean  that  we  are  safe." 

"  I  confess  that  I  do  not  understand  you,"  I  remarked,  a  little 
coldly. 

"  I  know  that  you  do  not,"  was  the  unsatisfactory  answer. 

Suddenly  a  suspicion  crossed  my  mind  —  a  cruel  suspicion  — 
and  I  was  determined  to  have  my  doubts  satisfied. 

u  Mr.  Cherington,"  I  said,  as  my  partner  was  turning  from  me, 
"  tell  me  one  thing  ;  answer  me  one  question." 

"  I  cannot  now,  Charles.     To-morrow  you  shall  know  all." 

"  Let  me  know  to-night  this  one  thing :  Is  the  firm  in  danger 
of  failing,  through  some  bad  speculation  of  which  I  have  been 
kept  in  ignorance  ?  " 

"  My  dear  boy,  the  house  never  stood  in  a  better  position  than 
it  does  to-day." 

41  Are  you  in  any  danger  from  the  threats  or  exposure  of  that 
drunken  ruffian?" 

The  old  gentleman  smiled. 

"  The  only  danger  that  I  run  is  hearing  some  very  vile  lan- 
guage ;  but  that  I  must  submit  to  for  the  sake  of  the  firm." 

"  I  cannot  understand  you,  or  your  meaning,"  I  remarked. 

"  I  suppose  not.     You  will,  however,  in  good  time." 

I  looked  hard  at  the  old  gentleman,  but  he  was  quite  cool  now, 
and  his  eyes  were  as  keen  as  ever. 

u  You  think  me  mad,"  he  said.  "  I  don't  blame  you.  But 
leave  me.  Go  and  comfort  poor  Julia." 

And  I  left  in  search  of  Julia,  whom  I  found  in  the  drawing- 
room,  anxious  for  me  to  report. 


A   SPECULATION    CONTEMPLATED.  155 


CHAPTER  X. 

ASTONISHING    NEWS     OF   THE     GOLD     MINES    OF   CALIFORNIA WE 

BUY  TO   THE   EIGHT   AND    LEFT,    AND   MAKE   PLANS   FOR   A   FOR- 
TUNE. 

THE  next  morning,  when  I  awoke,  I  found  that  it  was  sunrise, 
and  that  Mr.  Cherington  was  standing  by  the  side  of  the  bed.  I 
looked  at  my  partner,  and  saw  that  his  face  was  pale,  as  though  he 
had  passed  a  sleepless  night  and  was  tired. 

"Where  is  the  sailor?"  I  asked.  "I  hope  that  he  has  left 
the  house." 

"  Heaven  .forbid,  after  all  the  trouble  that  I've  had  with  him. 
The  fellow  is  sleeping  off  his  drunken  debauch,  and  will  not 
awaken  until  afternoon  —  at  least  I  hope  that  he  won't.  He  has 
proved  a  tough  customer,  for  his  head  is  as  hard  as  iron." 

I  looked  at  my  partner,  and  saw  that  even  if  he  did  appear 
tired,  he  was  quite  cool  and  collected,  and  I  marvelled  at  it. 

"  Come,  get  up,"  he  said.  "  We  have  work  before  us,  and 
much  to  accomplish  before  night." 

I  was  soon  dressed  and  at  the  table.  It  was  just  six  o'clock  as 
we  sat  down,  and  twenty  minutes  afterwards  we  were  on  our  way 
to  business. 

"  How  many  barrels  of  flour  have  we. in  the  store?  "  my  part- 
ner asked,  as  we  walked  along. 

"  Not  more  than  fifty." 

"  And  ship-bread?     How  many  pipes?  " 

"  Ten." 

"  And  how  much  pork  have  we?" 

"  Not  more  than  a  dozen  barrels.  Hatch  wanted  to  sell  me 
some  yesterday,  taken  from  the  condemned  ship  Betsy  Baker,  of 
New  London.  He  offered  it  cheaper  than  we  sell  it  by  a  dollar 
a  barrel." 

"  How  many  barrels  did  he  say  that  he  had  ?  "  asked  my  partner. 

"  About  one  hundred,  or  more.". 

"  It  is  all  mess,  I  suppose,"  Mr.  Cherington  remarked. 

"  No,  one  half  is  clear  and  of  good  quality.  I  saw  some  of  it 
unheaded,  to  show  as  a,  sample." 


156  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Does  the  firm  want  ready  money?"  my  partner  asked. 

u  I  befieve  that  it  does.  It  bought  the  stores  of  the  Betsy  Baker 
for  cash  at  a  low  rate,  and  the  money  is  wanted  to  pay  for  them." 

"  That  is  good.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that.  In  a  business  point 
of  view,  you  know,"  my  partner  added,  hastily. 

We  reached  the  store  and  found  Will  already  there.  He  was 
hard  at  work  arranging  goods,  which  provoked  a  smile  from  Mr. 
Cherington. 

"  Smart  boy,"  he  said.  "  Make  a  good  man  for  us  ;"  and  then 
we  passed  into  the  counting-room,  and  my  partner  commenced  an 
examination  of  the  books.  Then  he  made  some  memorandum  on 
a  piece  of  paper  and  closed  the  books. 

"  I'm  going  to  trust  you  with  very  important  business,"  he  said, 
"  and  you  must  show  yourself  worthy  of  the  firm." 

I  pricked  up  my  ears.  He  was  going  to  confide  the  secret  to 
me  at  last. 

"  I  want  you  to  go  to  the  firm  of  Yida  &  Hatch,  and  buy  all 
the  flour,  Jpread,  pork,  tobacco  and  pipes  which  they  have  on 
hand.  Get  everything  at  a  low  figure  for  cash.  Here  is  a  mem- 
orandum that  will  guide  you.  Don't  pay  more  than  the  figures  I 
have  set  opposite  each  article,  and  get  them  as  much  lower  as  pos- 
sible. You  will  understand  all  in  the  course  of  the  day.  If  you 
hear  of  any  one  having  provisions  to  sell  at  our  prices,  buy  them 
without  hesitation  —  buy  all  you  can  get." 

I  started  to  leave  the  counting-room,  but  Mr.  Cherington  called 
me  back. 

"  Let  me  see,  —  you  are  in  the  habit  of  smoking,  are  you  not?  " 

He  knew  I  was  ;  but  seldom  at  the  house. 

"  I  think  that  you  had  better  visit  the  store  with  a  cigar  in 
your  mouth.  It  will  look  as  though  you  were  not  in  a  hurry." 

I  sauntered  along  until  I  came  to  Vida  &  Hatch's  store,  and  by 
good  luck  found  Hatch  standing  at  the  door  smoking. 

"  Hallo  !  "  he  cried  ;  "  come  in  and  talk  a  little  while.  I  have 
just  come  on  shore.  We  had  a  good  time  on  board  the  Constel- 
lation last  night.  Wish  that  you  had  been  there.  But  come  in." 

I  hesitated,  and  then  followed  Hatch  to  his  counting-room, 
where  the  senior  member  of  the  firm  was  smoking,  and  looking, 
as  I  thought,  a  little  dull. 

"  How  is  business  over  at  your  place  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Vida,  who 
was  a  short,  dark-eyed  man,  a  Chilian  by  birth,  and  fond  of  a 
paper  cigrar  and  a  glass  of  champagne. 


A   PURCHASE.  157 

"  Nothing  doing  since  the  whalers  left.  It  is  the  dull  season,  I 
suppose." 

44  Yes,  dull  enough  ;  and  here  we  have  .got  a  large  stock  on  hand, 
and  can't  sell  it,"  remarked  Mr.  Vida. 

"  You  don't  offer  it  low  enough,"  I  said,  with  a  laugh.  u  We 
sold  out  pretty  close,  and  might  be  induced  to  buy." 

44  Catch  Cherington  at  that,"  Hatch  cried.  "  He  is  too  smart 
for  such  nonsense.  I  offered  you  pork,  yesterday,  at  a  dollar  less 
per  barrel  than  you  can  buy  it  in  the  city." 

u  If  you  had  taken  off  fifty  cents  more  per  barrel,  I  might  have 
traded  with  you,  and  been  willing  to  wait  for  a  rise." 

44  I'll  do  it  now,"  he  cried,  hastily. 

44  How  many  barrels  have  you?  " 

44  Two  hundred." 

44  I'll  take  them  for  cash.  Send  them  over  to  our  warehouse  as 
soon  as  you  can,  for  we  want  to  store  them." 

44  Are  you  in  earnest?"  asked  Hatch  and  Vida,  in  a  breath. 

44  Yes,  I  mean  what  I  say.  I  don't  believe  that  pork  can  go 
any  lower ;  so  I  will  buy  it  on  speculation.  I'll  buy  anything 
cheap,  and  wait  for  a  rise.  That  is  better  than  letting  money 
remain  idle." 

"  Then  take  our  flour  and  bread  on  the  same  principle.  The 
fact  of  it  is,  we  need  the  money  just  at  the  present  time." 

44  We'll  buy  anything  if  you  only  put  it  low  enough." 

Vida  and  Hatch  consulted  together,  and  the  result  of  their  con- 
ference was  an  offer  of  their  stock,  far  below  what  Mr.  Chering- 
ton had  instructed  me  to  give. 

44  But,  understand  us,"  the  senior  member  of  the  firm  said. 
44  We  don't  want  to  take*  any  advantage  of  you,  for  the  reason 
that  Mr.  Cherington  might  not  like  to  ratify  the  contract.  We 
will  sell  at  such  a  price  for  cash,  the  goods  to  be  delivered  to-day. 
If  that  proposal  suits  your  firm,  the  bargain  is  closed." 

44  Confidence  begets  confidence,"  I  said.  44 1  will  convince  you 
that  I  am  acting  with  the  consent  of  my  partner,  who  is  anxious 
to  buy  on  speculation." 

The  firm  once  more  put  their  heads  together,  and  talked  long 
and  earnestly. 

44  You  can  have  the  articles  at  the  sum  named,"  they  said,  after 
the  conference  was  closed  ;  and  they  immediately  made  out  a  bill 
of  sale,  so  that  I  found  I  had  purchased  some  six  thousand  dol- 


158  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

\ars'  worth  of  bread,  flour,  pork,  tobacco,  pipes,  and  ready-made 
clothing,  and  just  as  the  bills  were  made  out,  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Russell  entered  the  store. 

"  I  have  called,"  he  said,  "  to  see  if  you  wanted  to  purchase  any 
flour." 

"  We  have  just  sold  the  last  barrel  that  we  had  in  store,"  Mr. 
Vida  answered.  "  What  do  you  ask  for  good  flour?" 

Russell  named  a  figure,  which  was  a  little  higher  than  the  sum 
Vida  asked. 

"  Can't  buy  at  that  price,"  the  firm  said. 

"  What  will  you  give  ?  "  Russell  asked,  turning  to  me. 

"  The  same  that  I  paid  Mr.  Vida.  We  buy  for  cash,  and  may 
have  to  keep  it  for  a  long  time." 

"  You  can  have  it,"  he  answered  promptly. 

I  went  back  to  the  store,  and  found  Mr.  Cherington  there,  wip- 
ing his  face,  which  bore  marks  of  heat. 

"Well,"  he  said,  "  what  success?  Did  you  trade?" 

"  I  bought  all  they  had,  for  less  than  what  you  told  me  to 
give." 

"  That  is  good.  Now  we  are  all  right.  I  have  bought  the 
schooner  Helen  at  a  bargain,  and  all  the  fresh  provisions  which 
Gangle  owned.  Now  we  can  afford  to  let  the  public  hear  the 
news." 

"  But  you  forget  that  I  do  not  know  what  the  news  is,"  I  said. 

"  I*  know  —  there  is  time  enough.  But  close  the  door,  sit 
down,  and  I'll  tell  you." 

I  did  as  I  was  ordered. 

"  Did  you  ever  hear  of  such  a  country  as  California?"  Mr. 
Cherington  asked. 

"  Why,  yes.  It  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  Mexico  at 
the  conclusion  of  the  war.  I  don't  know  its  value,  although  I 
think  that  many  hides  have  been  exported  from  California  to 
Boston.  That  is  all  I  know  of  it." 

"  And  that  is  quite  enough  for  my  purpose.  Well,  what  will 
you  think  when  I  tell  you  that  gold  has  been  discovered  in  Cali- 
fornia? mines  of  immense  richness  !  In  fact,  that  it  can  be  picked 
up  on  the  surface  of  the  earth,  and  cut  from  rocks  with  jack- 
knives." 

"  I  should  evince  my  astonishment  by  saying  that  I  don't  be- 
lieve it,"  I  answered. 


CALIFORNIA  GOLD.  159 

"  So  I  supposed.  But  nevertheless  it  is  true,  as  I  state  to  you, 
and  at  the  present  time  there  are  only  three  persons  in  Honolulu 
who  have  any  knowledge  of  the  matter." 

"  And  those  are  you  and  myself,  and  who  else?" 

uThe  sailor  I  carried  home  last  night,  and  who  probably  has 
not  y'et  awakened." 

I  was  astonished,  and  did  not  answer. 

"  I  see  that  you  think  me  dreaming  or  crazy,  but  such  is  not 
the  case.  The  sailor  brought  to  the  island  two  thousand  dollars* 
worth  of  gold  dust,  all  collected  in  the  short  space  of  two  weeks, 
on  the  banks  of  a  river  called  the  North  Fork,  about  one  hundred 
miles  in  a  direct  line  from  San  Francisco." 

"  If  gold  is  so  plenty,  why  did  the  sailor  leave  until  he  had  col- 
lected more  ?  "  I  asked. 

"Why  do  sailors  always  remain  poor?  Simply  because  he 
thought  he  was  worth  a  fortune.  He  went  to  San  Francisco,  en- 
gaged a  passage  in  a  vessel  bound  to  Canton,  and  paid  three  hun- 
dred dollars  to  be  set  on  shore  here." 

"  And  how  did  you  get  hold  of  him?  " 

"  Ah,  that  is  the  most  singular  part  of  my  story.  I  was  on 
board  a  whaleship  yesterday  afternoon,  when  I  saw  a  vessel 
heading  for  the  harbor  with  a  signal  flag  flying  for  a  boat.  I 
took  my  boat,  and  was  pulled  on  board.  I  had  but  a  short  time 
to  talk  with  the  master  of  the  vessel,  for  he  was  anxious  to  square 
away  for  Canton.  But  he  gave  me  the  glorious  news,  and  handed 
me  a  San  Francisco  paper  with  long  accounts  of  the  mines.  The 
people  of  California  are  crazy  over  the  discoveries,  and  all  kinds 
of  business  have  been  neglected  to  seek  for  gold.  Men  are  run- 
ning away  from  ships,  and  even  the  United  States  vessels  are  short- 
handed  on  account  of  desertion.  I  took  the  sailor  in  my  boat  and 
brought  him  to  the  shore  ;  but  I  made  him  promise  that  he  would 
not  say  one  word  regarding  the  gold  discoveries,  until  I  gave  my 
consent." 

"  Didn't  your  kanakas  hear  of  it?  "  I  asked. 

"  Not  a  word.  They  were  in  the  bo.at  all  the  time  I  was  on 
board,  and  did  not  hear  a  lisp." 

"  Have  you  seen  the  gold  ?  "  I  asked.  "  Is  it  not  possible  that 
it  may  be  some  mineral  that  closely  resembles,  gold  ?" 

Mr.  Cherington  opened  the  safe,  and  took  out  two  small  buckskin 
bags. 


160  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Here  are  two  bags  full  of  the  dust.  The  third  one  the  sailor 
must  have  dropped  last  night,  for  he  insisted  on  keeping  one  shot 
in  the  locker  for  immediate  use." 

He  poured  the  gold  into  a  plate  and  stirred  it  with  his  fingers. 
Some  of  it  was  so  fine  that  it  seemed  a  mystery  how  it  could  have 
been  collected,  while  scattered  through  the  glittering  mass  were 
several  nuggets,  some  of  them  nearly  as  large  as  a  horse-chestnut. 

u  If  you  still  doubt  the  truth  of  the  sailor's  report,  read  the  ac- 
counts in  the  California  paper,  for  it  seems  that  one  has  already 
been  established  at  San  Francisco." 

I  opened  the  paper,  —  a  small  one,  some  ten  inches  long  and 
twenty  wide, —  and  found  that  the  whole  inside  was  filled  with  let- 
ters from  the  mines,  recounting  the  lucky  strikes  which  miners 
had  made,  and  how  new  mines  were  discovered  every  day  by 
prospecting  parties.  From  the  correspondence  I  glanced  to  the 
editorial  columns,  and  found  a  short  leader,  which  read  as 
follows :  — 

"  At  the  present  time  we  know  not  what  to  think.  San  Fran- 
cisco is  deserted,  and  no  business  is  transacted.  Dust  is  received 
from  the  mines  by  every  boat  or  vessel  that  reaches  us  from  Sac- 
ramento. Our  printers  have  left  us  to  take  part  in  the  struggle 
for  sudden  wealth,  and  we  have  a  letter  from  one  in  which  he  says 
that  he  dug  one  hundred  dollars  worth  of  gold  the  first  day  he 
reached  the  mines.  If  such  is  the  case,  we  shall  have  to  leave 
our  paper  and  commence  turning  up  the  earth  in  search  of  riches  ; 
for  at  the  present  time  we  have  to  do  our  own  composing,  press- 
work,  and  the  '  devil's '  work  in  the  bargain.  Of  course  all  kinds 
of  provisions  have  risen  to  enormous  prices,  and  we  fear  much 
suffering,  and  even  starvation,  the  coming  winter.  We  have  large 
numbers  of  cattle  on  the  ranches,  but  men  cannot  live  on  meat 
alone,  and  in  this  emergency  we  must  lobk  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands  for  our  pork,  flour,  coffee,  and  other  articles.  A  vessel 
loaded  with  such  provisions  would  reap  a  rich  harvest  at  the 
present  time." 

"  What  do  you  think  of  that?"  Mr.  Cherington  asked. 

"  I  think  that  I  now  see  the  reason  why  you  have  purchased 
the  schooner  Helen." 

"  The  vessel  must  be  despatched  without  loss  of  time.  I  have 
a  gang  of  men  at  work  on  board  of  her,  bending  sails,  and  to« 
morrow  we  will  commence  loading." 


HO    FOR   CALIFORNIA.  161 

*'  Let  us  commence  to-day,"  I  said.     "  We  have  men  enough." 

"  Good  !  Cargo  shall  go  on  board  at  once.  But  there  is  ona 
thing  I  have  forgotten  to  speak  about.  You  or  I  will  have  to  go 
with  the  vessel,  to  sell  the  provisions.  Which  shall  it  be?" 

u  I,  of  course,"  I  answered.  "  You  can  attend  to  our  busi- 
ness at  home  better  than  I  can." 

"  But  Julia  ?     What  will  she  say  ?  "   - 

"  That  I  am  anxious  to  make  a  fortune  for  her  sake." 

"  I  don't  think  she  will,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  dryly.  "But 
you  can  go.  Now,  where  can  we  find  a  navigator?  " 

That  puzzled  me  ;  but  an  idea  entered  my  mind  just  at  that 
moment,  that  we  could  give  some  master  or  mate  a  passage  to 
California  for  the  sake  of  navigating  the  Helen  there,  and  during 
the  trip  I  could  apply  myself  to  the  task,  and  learn  all  that  was 
necessary  of  the  science. 

The  Helen  was  about  two  hundred  tons'  burden,  flat  bottom, 
and  intended  for  carrying  a  large  cargo,  and  drawing  but  little 
water.  Of  course  she  could  not  be  classed  as  a  first-rate  sailer, 
excepting  before  the  wind  ;  but  we  did  not  look  so  much  for  speed 
as  capacity.  Even  with  a  full  cargo,  the  schooner  did  not  draw 
but  five  feet  of  water.  This  was  a  great  disadvantage  for  sea 
navigation,  but  was  just  the  thing  for  river  sailing,  as  we  after- 
wards found.  I  made  a  minute  examination  of  the  vessel,  and 
on  the  whole  was  quite  satisfied  with  her.  We  set  men  at  work 
painting,  and-  another  gang  to  receive  cargo,  and  by  night  much 
progress  had  been  made  with  our  arrangements. 

"  I  think,"  I  said,  as  we  walked  to  the  store,  "  that  I  will  send 
for  my  two  shipmates  who  are  still  at  Kammaira." 

"  They  will  leave  you  at  San  Francisco,"  Mr.  Cherington  said. 
"  Not  a  vessel  can  drop  anchor  at  that  port  without  losing  every 
man." 

"  I  think  that  we  can  make  it  for  the  interest  of  the  men  to  re- 
main with  us,"  I  said.  "  Suppose  I  should  take  my  :hree  ship- 
mates, and  we  should  tell  them  to  stick  to  the  vessel,  and  that  in 
addition  to  their  monthly  pay,  they  should  have  a  certain  per- 
^centage  on  the  profits.  Will  you  let  me  try  it?" 

"  Certainly." 

We  reached  the  store,  and  I  went  in  ,  search  of  Will,  whom 
1  found  taking  an  account  of  some  goods  which  were  going  into 
tne  warehouse." 

11    • 


162 

"  Will,"  I  said,  "  we  have  purchased  a  schooner,  and  I  am 
going  a  short  voyage  in  her.  Do  you  want  to  go  with  me  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  am  ready  for  that  at  any  time.  Who  is  going 
captain  ?  " 

"  I  am." 

"  That's  good.     I'll  be  one  of  the  crew." 

"  No  ;  I  want  you  for  second  mate,  with  the  same  pay  that  you 
now  receive,  and  a  chance  for  dividends  in  case  we  are  successful." 

"  Who's  going  first  mate  ? "  asked  Will,  with  a  stare  of  as- 
tonishment. 

"  Who  do  you  suppose?  " 

The  boy  looked  thoughtful. 

"  I  don't  know,"  he  said,  "  unless  you  send  for  Jack.  But  then 
he  don't  know  much  about  navigation." 

"  Would  you  like  him  for  a  shipmate?  " 

"  I  just  should." 

"  And  Jake  —  do  you  think  that  he  would  like  to  go  with  us? " 

"  The  darky  would  jump  at  the  chance.  But  where  are  we 
going." 

"  No  matter  about  that.  I  want  Jack  and  Jake  to  know  of  my 
intentions.  Will  you  take  a  canoe,  with  two  kanakas,  and  go  to 
Kammaira  ?" 

"  I  should  like  to  very  much." 

"  Then  take  any  two  kanakas  in  our  employ,  and  go.  Tell  the 
men  that  they  shall  have  twenty  dollars  per  month  and  a  commis- 
sion on  the  profits  of  the  voyage  if  we  are  successful." 

"  That  will  bring  them,  sure,"  was  the  answer. 

"  Tell  them  that  they  must  stay  by  me  and  the  vessel  after  we 
reach  port,  or  they  will  receive  nothing." 

"  You  are  joking,"  said  Will.  "  You  couldn't  get  them  to 
leave  you.  There  is  not  money  enough  in  the  world  to  buy  them. 
At  least  I  think  so." 

Will  selected  two  of  the  natives  who  were  accustomed  to  the 
harbor,  and  attended  to  our  boating  matters,  and  in  a  short  time 
he  was  off  for  the  village  of  Kammaira.  I  returned  to  the  count- 
ing-room, where  I  found  the  sailor  who  had  passed  the  night  in 
Mr.  Cheriugton's  house.  He  had  slept  until  noon,  and  then  got  up 
and  left  the  premises,  and  by  the  aid  of  one  of  the  servants,  found 
the  store. 

u  I  want  my  money,"  he  said,  just  as  I  entered.  "  I  am  going 
to  haTre  a  time  with  it." 


A   RISE    IN   THE    MARKET.  163 

Mr.  CheringtoQ  took  the  bags  from  the  safe,  and  placed  them  in 
the  sailor's  hands.  The  man  untied  them  and  examined  the  dust, 
and  found  that  it  was  correct. 

"  I  don't  want  all  this  money  with  me,"  he  said. 

We  did  not  answer  him.  If  we  had  said  that  we  would  take 
charge  of  it,  he  would  have  thought  that  we  meant  to  cheat  him. 
But  as  we  did  not  volunteer,  he  obtained  confidence  in  a  wonderful 
degree,  and  throwing  the  bags  upon  the  desk,  muttered, — 

"  S'pose  I  take  this  'ere  dust,  some  one  will  steal  it  from  me. 
I  don't  want  it.  I  don't  know  what  to  do  with  it.  Will  you  keep 
it  for  me  ?  " 

This  was  an  appeal  that  we  could  not  resist ;  and  Mr.  Chering- 
ton  promised  to  take  charge  of  all  three  bags,  first  advancing  fhe 
man  fifty  dollars  for  spending  money.  My  partner  offered  the 
man  some  good  advice,  but  while  he  listened  to  it  with  respectful 
attention,  he  did  not  seem  inclined  to  follow  it. 

"I  never  had  so  much  money  afore,"  he  said,  "and  now  I'm 
bound  to  have  a  time  with  it.  I'll  make  Houolulu  howl  afore 
I've  done.  I've  worked  hard,  and  after  all  the  money  is  gone  I 
knows  where  I  can  get  more.  Californy  is  the  land  for  me. 
What's  the  use  of  my  saving  when  I  can  get  more  ?  " 

•  "  It  will  be  known  all  over  Honolulu  before  night,"  said  Mr. 
Cherington,  as  we  walked  home  for  dinner. 

We  had  too  much  work  before  us  to  remain  at  the  table  any 
length  of  time,  and  I  had  barely  opportunity  to  hint  to  Julia  that 
her  father's  conduct  had  been  explained  in  a  very  satisfactory 
manner.  I  said  nothing  of  my  contemplated  visit  to  California", 
and  on  that  subject  Mr.  Cherington  remained  mute  also.  After 
"reaching  the  store,  the  bills  for  the  goods  which  we  had  purchased 
came  in,  and  we  were  kept  quite  busy  for  two  hours  paying  out 
gold  and  settling  accounts  ;  and  just  as  we  had  finished,  Hatch 
entered  the  counting-room. 

"  Look  ahere,"  he  cried,  "  we  sold  shorter  than  we  intended. 
Can't  you  let  us  have  a  hundred  barrels  of  pork  and  flour  at  the 
same  price  that  we  paid  for  them  ?  We  have  got  an  order,  you 
know,  and  we  don't  like  to  disappoint  our  customers." 

"  Can't  do  it,"  said  Mr.  Cherington.  "  It  is  all  stowed  in  the 
warehouse.  We  have  raised  ten  dollars  a  barrel  on  pork  and  the 
Bame  on  flour,  and  we  don't  want  to  sell  at  that  price." 

"  Blast  it,  I  suppose  you  have  heard  the  news,"  muttered 
Hatch,  throwing  himself  into  a  chair. 


164  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"What  news?" 

"  Why,  about  California.  O,  it's  no  use  to  look  grave.  I 
know  it.  It's  all  over  town.  Men  are  acting  as  though  they 
were  mad.  There's  a  sailor  who  brought  the  news.  He  tella 
thundering  big  stories.  If  one  half  is  true,  gold  must  be  plenty 
there,  and  grub  scarce.  What  is  the  lowest  you  will  sell  us  a 
hundred  barrels  of  pork  for?  Be  liberal,  and  give  us  a  chance." 

"  Ten  dollars  per  barrel  advance,  and  rather  you  would  not  buy 
at  that.  I  tell  you,  Hatch,  gold  is  plenty  in  California,  and  pro- 
visions dear,"  my.  partner  said. 

"What  can  you  ship  in?"  asked  Hatch.  "  There  is  only  one 
vessel  in  port  excepting  whalers,  and  the  latter  won't  dare  to  go 
within  fifty  miles  of  the  coast.  The  skippers  are  half  crazy  al- 
ready for  fear  they  will  lose  their  men  by  desertion.  Come,  let's 
make  a  trade  for  one  hundred  barrels  of  flour  and  one  hundred 
barrels  of  pork.  Be  liberal.  You  have  got  the  best  of  us ;  I 
acknowledge  that." 

u  Sit  down,  Mr.  Hatch,"  said  Mr.  Cherington,  with  a  calm 
smile.  "  Charles,  haven't  we  a  few  of  those  Havauas  left?" 

I  found  the  box,  and  we  lighted  our  cigars  in  solemn  silence, 
and  after  Mr.  Cherington  had  adjusted  his  weed,  he  said, — 

"  We  bought  on  speculation,  and  we  shall  sell  on  speculation. 
We  have  some  five  hundred  barrels  of  pork,  and  the  same  number 
of  flour.  We  can  sell  a  portion,  and  still  have  enough  on  hand  to 
freight  the  vessel  which  we  have  purchased." 

"  What  vessel  ?  "  asked  Hatch,  eagerly. 

"  The  schooner  Helen." 

"  O,  damn  !  "  shouted  Hatch.  "  If  Vida  hasn't  just  gone  to 
buy  her,  then  I'm  a  sinner." 

44  He's  rather  late.  She  is  paid  for,  and  the  papers  are  in  my 
safe." 

"  Just  our  darned  luck.  The  old  tub  has  been  for  sale  the  last 
three  months,  and  no  one  would  buy  her.  Well,  I  don't  blame 
you.  But  let  us  share  a  little.  Give  me  what  I  want  at  a  fair 
advance." 

u  At  what  I  said.  Not  a  dime  less.  The  market  is  still  going 
up.  To-morrow  I  shall  advance  on  the  price.  I  don't  want  to 
sell ;  but  I  will  to  oblige  you.  In  half  an  hour  others  will  want 
to  buy.  We  will  sell  for  cash,  you  know.  Money  4°WQ«" 

"Then  count  me- in  for  two  hundred  barrels,  and  send  them 
over  at  once." 


WELL    FORTIFIED.  165 

I  went  with  him,  taking  a  kanaka  along  to  assist  in  bringing 
the  specie  to  the  store. 

"  You  have  made  a  strike,  and  I  envy  you,"  Hatch  said  as 
we  walked  along.  .  u  Hallo !  here  is  Vida.  Did  you  buy  the 
vessel?" 

Mr.  Vida  growled  out  an  answer  that  could  not  be  understood 
very  readily.^ 

"  O,  it  is  no  use  to  sulk.  They've  got  the  start  of  us,  and  we 
can't  catch  up.  We  must  follow  on  behind,  and  do  the  best  we 
can.  Who  in  the  devil's  name  supposed  that  California  was 
going  to  shed  its  hides  and  reveal  gold  ?  But  I've  done  something. 
I've  made  a  trade  with  Cherington.  Took  two  hundred  at  an  ad- 
vance. Just  the  sum  we  agreed  to  give." 

"  That's  something,  for  pork  has  gone  up  two  dollars  per  bar- 
rel since  I  saw  you,"  answered  Mr.  Vida,  eagerly. 

I  received  my  money  for  the  articles,  and  returned  to  the  store. 

"  What  was  your  object  in  selling?"  I  asked  of  my  partner. 

*'  Simply  because  we  had  exhausted  our  ready  money  in  buy- 
ing, and  what  is  due  us  will  not  come  in  for  two  or  three  months. 
We  need  money  just  at  this  period,  and  I  bought  with  the  under- 
standing that  we  should  have  to  sell  in  a  few  days  ;  but  I  intend- 
ed to  do  so  at  an  advance,  and  for  cash.  We  have  made  two 
thousand  dollars  on  one  sale.  That  has  placed  ready  money  at 
our  disposal,  to  meet  current  expenses,  until  we  can  get  returns 
from  California.  Now  we  are  fortified  against  every  attack.  We 
can  lose  nothing,  and  we  have  paid  for  everything.  There  is, 
therefore,  no  chance  for  us  to  fail,  even  if  the  mines  should  not 
turn  out  as  rich  as  we  expect." 

I  saw  the  force  of  his  argument,  and  after  the  day's  work  was 
accomplished,  returned  to  the  house  quite  satisfied  with  what  we 
had  done. 

During  the  next  forenoon  I  visited  the  schooner,  and  found  that 
the  cargo  was  most  on  board,  and  that  the  vessel  was  rapidly  get- 
ting ready  for  sea.  At  the  rate  the  work  was  going  on,  I  calcu- 
lated that  we  could  leave  for  California  in  the  course  of  three 
days.  In  the  afternoon,  while  I  was  at  work  on  board,  a  little, 
fat,  red-faced  man,  with  a  bald  head,  a  moist  eye,  a  pleasant  voice, 
and  a  jolly  smile,  came  over  the  rail  and  rolled  towards  me. 

"  Good  day,  sir,"  he  said,  touching  his  hat,  which  was  a  nauti- 
cal one,  and  looked  a  little  the  worse  for  wear.  "  Allow  me  to 


166  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

introduce  myself,  sir.  My  name  is  Myers,  sir  —  James  Myers. 
I  belong  in  New  London,  Connecticut.  Of  course  you  have  heard 
of  that  place,  sir.  A  great  town  for  handsome  girls  and  whale- 
men. "It  is  five  years  since  I  was  there.  Great  changes  since 
then.  I  left  there  master  of  a  ship  ;  and  now  I  couldn't  get  a 
vessel  to  save  my  life,  I  suppose." 

"  For  what  reason  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Various,"  he  answered  ;  "  various.  In  the  first  place,  I  did 
Dot  take  as  many  whales  as  I  did  nippers  of  gin  ;  and  so,  after 
cruising  two  years,  I  went  off  on  a  voyage  of  discovery,  thinking 
that  I  could  find  whales  near  islands,  in  places  where  ships  never 
cruised  before.  I  was  not  successful,  and  consequently  the  own- 
ers took  away  my  craft;  although,  to  tell  the  truth,  they  had  a 
long  search  before  they  found  me.  Since  that  period  I  have  com- 
manded everything  in  the  shape  of  a  vessel,  and  now  find  myself 
at  Honolulu,  without  funds,  without  friends,  but  with  a  desire 
to  go  to  California,  where  I  think  I  can  make  money  enough  to 
cover  up  my  sins.  To  you  I  apply.  I  want  to  work  my  passage 
to  the  land  of  gold.  I  don't  care  in  what  capacity." 

"  How  long  have  you  been  in  Honolulu?"  I  asked. 

"  About  two  weeks.  I  had  a  passage  given  me  from  the  Friend- 
ly Islands  ;  so  I  ran  over  here  to  see  what  I  could  do." 

"  I  am  in  want  of  a  nav-igator,"  I  remarked  ;  "  and  if  you  are 
competent  to  take  charge  of  that  department,  and  teach  me  the 
science  while  on  the  passage,  you  can  go  with  the  vessel." 

"  Give  me  the  tools  to  work  with,  and  I'll  not  turn  my  back  to 
any  man  in  the  whaling  fleet,"  was  the  confident  answer.  u  I'll 
learn  yo_u  all  that  I  know  in  two  weeks'-time.  .  If  you  don't  learn, 
it  shan't  be  my  fault." 

"And  if  you  serve  me  faithfully  you  shall  be  paid  for  your 
trouble,"  I  remarked. 

"  Don't  speak  of  pay,  sir,"  said  the  jolly  man.  u  Put  me  in 
California,  and  I'll  find  gold  enough  to  pay  me.  But  you  have 
passed  your  word,  mind  you,  and  I'm  engaged." 

"  Don't  be  alarmed.  You  shall  take  up  your  quarters  in  the 
cabin  to-day." 

We  had  at  the  store  an  excellent  chronometer,  and  charts 
enough  to  fit  out  a  liue-of-battle  ship,  besides  quadrants  and 
books  which  we  kept  on  hand  to  supply  the  demand  that  was  con- 
stantly made  by  whalers.  From  the  lot  Mr.  James  Myers,  late 


A    JOLLY   CAPTAIN.  167 

master  of  a  New  London  whale-ship,  made  a  selection  to  suit 
him,  and  then  left  me  to  send  his  luggage  to  the  schooner.  But 
he  soon  returned,  and  his  face  looked  more  jolly  than  ever. 

"This  is  a  great  town,"  he  said,  wiping  his  heated  brow,  and 
shaking  his  rather  large  stomach.  "  I  never  met  such  treatment 
before,  in  all  my  wanderings.  " 

"  What  is  the  matter?" 

"  Why,  the  blasted  marine  who  keeps  the  house  where  I  board- 
ed —  But  you  won't  believe  the  statement.  It  seems  incredible  — 
in  what  is  popularly  called  a  heathen  country,  too.  Good  Heav- 
en, how  remiss  the  missionaries  have  been  in  their  duties  !" 

I  suspected  the  captain's  troubles,  but  said  nothing. 

"  It  is  but  little,"  he  said,  in  a  musjng  tone.  "  Ten  dollars  for 
board  and  two  for  drinks.  A  trifling  sum  compared  to  the  im- 
mense value  of  my  chest  and  contents.  And  he  means  to  hold  it, 
too.  That's  a  joke." 

u  I  suppose  you  mean  that  your  landlo'rd  won't  release  your 
clothes  until  you  have  paid  your  board?  "  I  remarked. 

u  And  the  extras,"  cried  the  little  man,  with  an  attempt  to 
blush. 

"  Well,  come  with  me  and  I'll  pay  the  bill,"  I  said. 

'*  God  bless  you,"  exclaimed  the  ex-whaling  captain,  seizing  my 
hand  and  giving  it  several  violent  shakes,  as  though  it  was  a 
pump,  and  he  was  bound  to  keep  me  afloat.  "  You  are  a  Connec- 
ticut man,  I  know,"  the  captain  continued,  as  we  turned  the  corner 
of  Queen  and  Kaahumanu  (the  reader  can  pronounce  the  latter 
name  to  suit  himself)  Streets,  and  headed  for  a  sailor  boarding- 
house,  kept  by  one  Terry,  formerly  from  New  York. 

We  reached  Terry's,  where  we  found  that  gentleman  with  his 
shirt  sleeves  rolled  up,  and  his  tongue  hard  at  work,  damning  two 
kanaka  servants,  because  they  did  not  labor  quick  enough  to  suit 
him,  in  washing  the  tobacco  juice  from  the  floor.  Mr.  Terry,  on 
seeing  the  captain,  frowned  Darkly,  and  swore  with  increased  vio- 
ieuce  ;  but  on  looking  up  and  finding  whom  he  had  for  a  visitor, 
stopped  his  harsh  words,  and  suffered  the  scowl  to  pass  from  his 
brow. 

"What  is  the  matter,  Terry?"  I  asked;  "the  captain  s.aya 
you  won't  let  his  clothes  go." 

"  Now,  look  ahere,  Mr.  Allspice,"  cried  Terry,  with  the  air  of 
un  injured  man  ;  "  this  feller  comes  to  my  house  and-wants  board 


168  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

for  a  few  weeks,  till  he  can  get  a  skipper's  chance,  or  a  chief 
mate's  birth.  I  takes  him  in  and  gives  him  the  best  that  I  has  in 
the  house.  For  that  I  expects  money.  He  hasn't  got  any,  and 
there's  no  shipping  in  the  harbor.  Then  he  conies  and  wants  his 
clothes,  and  leaves  me  minus  the  dosh  for  his  grub  and  drinks. 
I  don't  stand  that  from  no  one,  I  don't." 

"  But  I  intended  to  pay  up  like  a  man,"  cried  the  captain,  rub- 
bing his  red  nose,  and  seeming  to  care  but  little  for  his  peculiar 
position. 

"  Yes,  I  s'pose  you  do  mean  to,  but  you  see  I  wants  the  dosh 
now,  to  carry  on  my  house  and  meet  my  payments.  I  don't  trust, 
I  don't.  You  can  have  your  duds  on  paying  your  bill,  and  not 
afore." 

"  It  is  extremely  unpleasant,  this  is,"  muttered  the  whaler. 
"  But  few  men  from  Connecticut  care  to  be  placed  in  such  a 
position." 

44  No,  I  s'pose  not,"  sneered  Terry ;  "  but  I  tells  you  that  a 
Yorker  isn't  taken  in  by  a  wooden-nutmeg  fellow,  no  how  yoiij 
can  fix  it." 

"  How  much  is  the  bill?  "  I  asked. 

After  an  immense  amount  of  labor  the  bill  was  produced,  and 
I  paid  it,  and  left  the  establishment  with  the  heartiest  wish  of  the 
landlord  for  my  future  success  in  life. 

44  I  see,  Mr.  Myers,"*  I  said,  as  we  walked  along,  "  that  a  large 
portion  of  your  bill  is  for  drink.     Of  course  you  do  not  expect: 
me    to    furnish   you   with   liquor.     If  you  do   you  will  be  dis- 
appointed." 

44  O,  no,"  he  said ;  but  the  response  was  quite  feeble,  and  the 
face,  so  red  and  fat,  did  not  look  quite  so  jolly  as  it  did  a  few  mo- 
ments before. 

I  sent  the  captain  to  the  schooner,  with  orders  to  take  his  meals 
at  Terry's,  until  the  vessel  was  in  proper  trim  for  sea,  and  then  I 
went  back  to  the  store,  and  found  Mr.  Cherington  and  the  clerks 
hard  at  work  packing  up  boxes,  which  I  was  to  take  to  California 
on  a  venture. 

"  I  have  been  thinking,"  said  Mr.  Cherington,  "  that  we  can 
make  a  good  profit  on  some  spades  and  pickaxes  which  we  have 
on  hand,  and  have  held  for  some  months.  At  the  time  I  imported 
them  I  thought  the  kanakas  could  be  induced  to  use  them  ;  but 
they  prefer  to  stick  to  lighter  tools.  Shall  we  send  them  to  Cali- 
fornia on  a  venture  ?  " 


THE    OLD    CREW.  169 

I  said  yes ;  and  the  same  afternoon  five  hundred  spades  and 
five  hundred  pickaxes  were  stowed  away  on  board  the  Helen,  and 
valuable  articles  we  found  them.  After  dinner  I  was  on  board, 
looking  after  matters,  when  a  boat  pulled  alongside,  and  my  ship- 
mates tumbled  on  deck. 

"  We  didn't  stop  long  arter  we  got  the  news,"  said  Jack.  "  We 
jist  packed  up  our  dunnage  and  left.  We  promised  our  wives  to 
return,  and  they  is  satisfied.  Now  we  is  ready  to  go  to  work. 
The  only  question  is,  what  shall  we  do  with  Jake  ?  Make  him 
cook  or  steward  ?  " 

"  I's  for  de  steward's  place  ;  he  over  de  cook.  I'll  butt  de 
feller  if  he  don't  hurry  up  de  grub." 

So  I  gave  him  the  position  of  steward. 

Just  at  that  moment  Will  came  out  of  the  boat,  and  following 
him  was  a  slight-built  kanaka  boy,  light-colored,  and  with  such  a 
handsome  face  that  he  would  have  attracted  attention  anywhere. 
He  appeared  to  be  much  confused,  and  I  thought  trembled  as 
though  frightened. 

"  I  gave  the  lad  a  passage  to  Honolulu,"  said  Jack  ;  and  then 
Will  and  the  kanaka  went  on  shore,  and  disappeared  from  sight ; 
and  in  a  few  minutes  the  incident  had  entirely  passed  from  my 
mind. 


CHAPTER  XL 

OFF   FOR   CALIFORNIA.  —  A   SURPRISE  AND   A  PASSAGE. CALIFOR* 

NIA   AND    OUR   CARGO. HOW   WE    SOLD    IT   AT   A   PROFIT. 

THE  next  day  we  got  our  stores  all  on  board,  and  the  cargo 
-Stowed,  and  were  ready  for  sea.  Then  we  commenced  picking 
our  crew,  and  in  that  we  found  no  difficulty.  Hundreds  of  kana- 
kas were  eager  to  ship,  and  work  their  passage  to  California ; 
and  many  white  men  would  watch  an  opportunity,  and  pounce 
upon  me  whenever  I  left  the  store  or  the  vessel,  all  eager  to  urge 
their  claims  for  a  chance.  After  some  trouble  I  obtained  six 
kanakas  and  a  good  cook.  Two  of  them  I  bound  to  return  to  the 
Vessel,  and  the  balance  to  be  discharged  after  the  schooner  was 


170  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTUKES. 

unloaded.  They  swore  by  all  the  woodeii  idols  of  their  fore- 
fathers that  they  would  stick  to  me  until  I  told  them  they  might 
go.  At  sundown  the  crew  were  on  board,  and  the  schooner  was 
hauled  outside  and  anchored.  I  bade  my  officers  good  night,  and 
was  passing  over  the  side,  when  Myers,  my  sailing-master,  de- 
tained me. 

"  You've  forgotten  one  thing,"  he  said,  in  a  whisper. 

"What  is  it?" 

"  In  case  of  sickness,  you  know.  I've  tried  all  kinds,  but  I 
think  that  brandy  is  the  best.  Strange  climate  we  are  going  to,  Mr. 
Allspice.  Bad  water,  perhaps.  I  think  it  would  be  best  to  have 
a  little  on  board.  Not  on  my  account,  you  know,  but  your  own." 

I  had  a  keg  of  brandy  on  board,  but  Myers  did  not  know  it ; 
and  I  didn't  intend  that  he  should,  until  I  was  in  a  position  to 
look  after  it.  So  I  shook  my  head,  and  talked  about  the  bad 
effect  of  liquor,  and  the  master  retired,  looking  far  from  jolly. 

On  entering  the  counting-room,  I  was  astonished  to  see  Mr. 
Hatch  and  his  partner,  and  several  other  gentlemen  of  Honolulu. 

"  Glad  to  see  you,  old  fellow,"  Hatch  said.  tk  I'm  just  nego- 
tiating for  a' passage  with  you  to  California.  I'm  going  to  start 
a  branch  of  our  house,  if  there's  an  opening.  We'll  have  a  good 
time  on  the  passage,  hey?  I'll  have  my  things  all  on  board  in 
half  an  hour.  Ain't  you  glad  I'm  going?  " 

Of  course  I  was,  for  he  was  a  lively,  rattling  fellow,  and  would 
be  good  company  on  the  passage.  He  paid  the  money  demanded, 
and  went  off  to  collect  his  baggage,  and  then  Mr.  Cherington  and 
myself  finished  up  the  balance  of  our  business  and  went  home  to 
tea.  I  can't  say  that  I  really  felt  very  joyous,  for  the  thought  of 
leaving  such  a  pleasant  home  was  far  from  agreeable.  I  knew 
that  I  should  be  lonely  and  miss  the  society  of  Julia  ;  but  I  strove 
hard  to  keep  up  my  spirits,  and  manifested  but  little  of  the  gloom 
that  was  gathering  around  my  heart.  Mr.  Cheriugton  was  far 
from  lively,  also. 

Our  tea-table  was,  consequently,  a  dull  one.  Mr.  Cherington  was 
thoughtful,  Julia  extremely  unhappy,  and  1  anxious  and  nervous. 
I  feared  that  something  was  about  to  happen  that  would  destroy 
the  understanding  which  existed  between  Julia  and  myself,  and 
therefore  I  was  glad  when  we  retired  to  the  sitting-room,  and  the 
lady  seated  herself  at  the  piano,  and  played  and  sang  until  nine 
o'clock ;  and  then  Mr.  Cherington,  like  a  considerate  father,  de- 


TAKING   LEAVE.  171 

clared  he  felt  tired,  and  must  retire,  and  left  us  alone  to  talk  as 
long  as  we  pleased,  and  I  think  I  availed  myself  of  the  privilege, 
for  twelve  o'clock  struck  before  we  thought  of  separating. 

I  was  up  the  next  morning,  at  daylight,  and  the  first  thing 
I  did  was  to  glance  at  the  harbor.  There  lay  the  Helen,  with 
smoke  ascending  from  the  galley  stove-pipe,  and  men  busy  wash- 
ing down  the  decks.  A  short  distance  from  her  was  the  Constella- 
tion, her  tops  alive  with  men,  employed  at  some  work  which  I 
could  not  make  out,  owing  to  the  distance. 

The  family  were  already  stirring,  for  the  day  was  an  important 
one.  Mr.  Cherington  looked  as  though  he  had  been  cheated  of  his 
sleep,  and  Julia  was  very  pale,  and  therefore  extremely  interest- 
ing. We  could  only  drink  our  coffee  in  silence.  Appetites  were 
out  of  the  question  ;  so,  after  making  a  farce  of  eating,  we  rose 
and  prepared  to  separate.  Then  came  the  most  trying  scene. 

Just  then  I  caught  sight  of  one  of  the  servants  with  several 
packages  upon  a  wheelbarrow  in  front  of  the  house,  and  he  ap- 
peared to  be  waiting  my  movements.  Julia  saw  the  direction  of 
my  eyes,  and  blushed. 

"  A  few  things  I  have  put  up  for  your  comfort,"  she  whispered. 
'*  There's  preserves,  and  a  few  cans  of  meats,  and  some  fruits." 

How  quick  a  man's  heart  can  be  touched  by  such  delicate  at- 
tentions !  Eating  is  not  very  romantic,  but  it  is  very  important ; 
and  there  would  be  but  .precious  little  love  without  it.  Julia 
put  out  her  hand,  then,  like  a  well-bred  woman,  commenced  cry- 
ing as  though  I  was  her  only  friend  in  the  world,  and  she  was 
about  to  lose  me  forever.  Her  father  turned  his  head,  and  ap- 
peared to  be  intensely  interested  at  something  in  the  harbor ;  and 
thus  I  had  a  chance  to  whisper  a  few  words  in  her  ear,  and  to 
console  her  with  a  kiss,  the  report  of  which  caused  her  father  to 
turn  his  head  and  mutter,  — 

"  Come,  come !  I  thought  you  finished  all  such  nonsense  last 
night.  You  sat  up  late,  I  believe." 

"  I  know  I  did  ; .  but  you  see  I  am  far  from  feeling  anxious  to 
leave." 

44  And  I  don't  want  you  to  go,"  sighed  Julia. 

*4  But  he  must  go  ;  and  it  is  no  time  to  detain  him,"  said  Mr. 
Cherington.  "  Time  and  tide  wait  for  no  one." 

I  snatched  a  kiss  and  left  the  house  so  hurriedly  that  my  part- 
ner was  compelled  to  run  a  few  steps  to  overtake  me. 


172  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  God  bless  me,"  he  said,  "  if  the  old  schooner  could  only  sail 
as  fast  as  you  ruii,  California  would  be  reached  in  a  short  time. 
Gracious !  what  an  impetuous  fellow  you  are  !  Give  me  your 
arm,  and  let  me  talk  with  you  as  we  walk  along." 

I  slackened  my  pace,  and  the  old  gentleman  clung  to  me,  and 
talked  as  we  moved  on. 

"  Don't  trust  those  sharpers  of  California,"  he  said.  "  You 
will  find  plenty  of  them  ready  to  take  advantage  of  you  ;  but  you 
must  be  smart,  and  look  after  them.  If  you  can  sell  for  cash,  do 
so  ;  but  be  sure  that  the  cash  is  forthcoming  when  the  goods 
are  delivered.  I  hope  things  will  look  bright  after  you  get 
there." 

u  As  bright  as  Julia's  eyes,"  I  murmured. 

Mr.  Cherington  sighed,  and  didn't  say  any  more  about  business. 
We  reached  the  dock,  and  I  found  the  schooner's  boat  waiting 
for  me. 

"  Mr.  Hatch  is  on  boaad,"  said  Will.  "  We  have  hove  short, 
and  are  all  ready  for  sea." 

"  And  here  we  part,"  cried  Mr.  Cherington.  "  I  would  go  on 
board,  but  the  pain  of  separation  would  only  be  prolonged.  God 
bless  you,  Charles,  and  may  you  return  to  us  in  safety." 

He  grasped  my  hand,  held  it  for  a  moment,  and  then  I  shoved 
off,  and  was  soon  alongside  the  schooner,  on  the  quarter-deck 
of  which  I  found  Hatch,  sipping  a  cup  of  coffee,  and  looking 


"  Turn  up  the  side,  boys,"  he  shouted.  "  Here  comes  the 
eaptain  and  gig." 

Mr.  Topmall  —  who  was  represented  in  the  person  of  my  friend 
Jack,  but  as  he  was  doing  duty  as  an  officer,  it  was  necessary  to 
have  a  handle  to  his  name,  and  for  the  first  time  for  years  the 
family  cognomen  was  introduced  —  came  aft,  and  was  extremely 
gracious  at  the  prospect  of  leaving  port. 

"  We  is  hove  short,  sir,"  he  cried,  "  and  only  wait  the  word  to 
trip  the  anchor." 

"  Up  with  it  at  once,"  I  said  ;  and  then  I  looked  at  the  house 
where  I  had  spent  so  many  pleasant  days,  and  saw^  from  the 
window  of  the  room  which  I  had  occupied,  a  white  handkerchief 
waving  in  the  breeze,  and  by  the  aid  of 'a  good  glass  I  made  out 
to  catch  one  glimpse  of  Julia's  face  ;  and  I  answered  the  signal 
By  displaying  a  small  piece  of  bunting  which  had  been  made  by 


OFF   FOR   CALIFORNIA.  173 

Miss  Cherington,  and  presented  to  me  for  the  vessel.  On  it  were 
some  mysterious  letters,  known  only  to  her  and  myself;  but  they 
represented  — 

LOVE   TILL   DEATH. 

Up  fluttered  the  signal  to  the  mast  head,  and  its  appearance 
was  rewarded  by  a  renewed  waving  of  the  handkerchief,  and 
then  the  anchor  was  reported  clear  of  the  bottom,  and  the  schoon- 
er commenced  paying  off  under  the  jib  ;  and  in  a  few  minutes 
we  were  before  the  wind,  and  moving  slowly  towards  the  Con- 
stellation. 

"  Now,  sir,  if  you  will  commence  your  lessons,  I'm  ready  to 
begin,"  said  the  ex-whaling  captain,  who  had  made  himself  gen- 
erally useful  during  the  morning,  and  had  eaten  a  powerful  break- 
fast to  pay  for  it. 

I  had  learned  the  use  of  the  quadrant  while  on  board  the  Sally, 
and  could  find  the  latitude  readily,  so  I  was  not  so  green  a  pupil 
as  Myers  had  expected  ;  and  at  twelve  o'clock  he  acknowledged 
that  I  was  making  rapid  progress  in  the  science,  and  should  get 
along  handsomely. 

The  high  lands  of  the  islands  began  to  look  blue  as  we  left 
them  astern.  •  Down  into  the  ocean  they  sank,  till  at  last  the  only 
mountain  that  we  could  see  was  the  peak  of  Mauna  Loa.  I 
turned  from  the  fast-fading  view  with  a  sigh,  and  thought  of  poor 
Julia,  who  was  mourning  for  my  absence,  and  as  I  did  so,  I  saw 
the  young  kanaka,  whom  I  have  already  mentioned,  standing  by 
my  side  ;  but  he,  too,  was  sighing,  and  tears  were  in  his  large 
almond-shaped  eyes,  as  though  his  tender  heart  was  severely  tried 
at  thus  leaving  home  for  the  first  time. 

"  Well,  boy,  are  you  sorry  that  you  have  left  home?  "  I  asked 
of  the  kanaka. 

"  No,  sir,"  he  answered.  "  I  am  not  sorry  at  present.  I  don't 
know  how  soon  I  shall  be  ;  "  and  he  was  turning  away  to  leave  the 
quarter-deck  when  I  stopped  him,  for  his  voice  sounded  very 
familiar,  and  I  was  thinking  where  I  had  heard  it. 

u  I  have  seen  you  before,  somewhere,"  I  said.  "  Can  you  tell 
me  where  ?  " 

He  hesitated  for  a  moment  before  he  answered,  — 

u  At  Honolulu,  I  think ;  "  and  then  left  the  quarter-deck,  aa 
though  desirous  of  escaping  further  questions. 


174  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  It  is  singular,"  I  thought ;  "  but  that  boy  reminds  me  of  som« 
one,  and  I  can't  tell  who." 

"  Dinner  all  ready,  sar,"  cried  Jake  at  this  moment ;  and  the 
vexed  question  left  my  mind. 

By  sundown  the  land  was  out  of  sight,  and  we  found  that  we  had 
made  some  fifty  miles  on  our  course,  and  were  doing  very  well, 
although  the  north-west  trades  had  not  set  in  strong,  as  we  expected. 

Our  decks  were  cleared  up  for  the  night ;  the  kanakas  were 
seated  on  the  forecastle,  chatting  and  singing,  and  smoking  their 
short  pipes,  the  mate  and  the  whaling  captain  were  spinning 
yarns  near  the  mainmast ;  Hatch  was  smoking  on  the  quarter- 
deck, and  wondering  how  he  should  mix  a  bowl  of  punch  for  the 
evening  entertainment ;  and  I  was  looking  at  the  private  signal, 
made  by  Julia's  fair  hands,  which  fluttered  from  the  mainmast, 
and  wondered  if  she  was  thinking  of  me,  as  I  was  of  her^  when 
Jake  came  from  the  cabin,  his  black  face  looking  uncommonly 
sedate,  as  though  he  was  puzzled  what  to  get  for  breakfast. 

"  Will  you  come  in  de  cabin,  one  moment,  sar?  "  he  asked. 

I  followed  him  into  the  cabin,  and  there  saw  the  young  kanaka 
boy,  who  looked  as  though  he  had  been  crying ;  and,  in  fact,  he 
could  not  entirely  stifle  his  sobs  when  I  entered. 

"  What  is  the  matter  with  the  boy  ?  "  I  asked  of  Jake. 

u  Wai,  sar,  dat  is  jist  what  I  call  you  in  for,  sar.  He  ben  cry- 
ing, and  won't  listen  to  my  advice  a  bit.  I  want  you  to  talk  wid 
'em,  sar,  and  see  what  'em  says." 

I  supposed  the  lad  was  homesick,  and  said  so  ;  but  the  kindness 
which  the  natives  had  shown  me,  I  determined  to  repay,  in  some 
portion,  to  this  poor  boy. 

"  Don't  cry,  my  lad,"  I  said,  laying  a  hand  softly  upoa  his 
head,  and  speaking  in  his  native  language.  u  We  shall  be  in 
port  in  two  or  three  weeks,  and  then  you  can  remain  by  the  ves- 
sel if  you  don't  want  to  go  on  shore,  and  you  may  return  with  me 
if  you  don't  desire  to  stay  in  California.  Don't  cry,  for  while  shed- 
ding tears  you  remind  me  of  one  whom  I  used  to  love  very  much." 

"  And  you  forgot  her  —  did  you  not?"  the  lad  replied,  attempt- 
ing to  stifle  his  sobs. 

"  No,  I  did  not.  I  have  often  thought  of  her,  and  wondered 
if  she  had  forgotten  me,"  I  replied,  without  stopping  to  think  of 
the  extraordinary  question  of  the  lad. 

In  an  instant  the  boy  was  on  his  knees  before  me,  my  hand 
grasped  in  his,  and  his  handsome  head  resting  on  my  knees. 


A   BIG    BILL.  175 

"  You  still  love  me  !  you  still  love  me  !  "  he  cried,  through  his 
tears  and  sobs. 

His  cap  fell  off,  and  in  spite  of  the  close-cut  hair,  I  discovered 
the  face  of  one  who  had  been  very  dear  to  me. 

"  You  know  me.  I'm  Lilly.  Poor  Lilly !  Don't  scold  her. 
She  loves  you.  She  can  never  love  but  you.  Her  heart  was  al- 
most broken  when  you  left  her,  forced  from  her  side  by  the  cruel 
soldiers.  She  was  very  sick  for  many  weeks,  and  only  the  thought 
of  once  more  seeing  you  made  her  live.  Now,  if  you  don't  love 
hor  and  speak  pleasant  to  her,  she  will  die.  Let  her  be  near  you 
—  your  slave  —  your  servant ;  only  smile  upon  her  sometimes." 

The  poor  girl's  strength  failed  her ;  and  her  hands  relaxed 
their  grasp.  I  saw  that  she  had  fainted.  What  to  do  I  did  not 
know.  I  had  had  no  experience  with  fainting  women,  although  I 
had  read  that  it  was  always  customary  to  cut  their  stay-lacings. 
But  the  poor  thing  at  my  feet  had  never  seen  a  pair  of  corsets,  and 
would  not  have  worn  a  pair  if  she  had.  In  my  agitation  I  raised 
her  iti  my  arms,  and  carried  her  to  my  state-room,  and  laid  her 
on  a  mattress  ;  and  then,  getting  a  tumbler  of  water,  I  bathed  her 
face,  almost  white  now,  and  forced  a  few  drops  of  wine  down  her 
throat.  The  latter  revived  her.  She  opened  her  large  black  eyes, 
and  smiled  faintly  when  she  saw  how  attentive  I  was,  and  then 
raised  her  head,  and  put  up  her  thin  lips  for  me  to  kiss. 

How  could  I  help  myself?  I  had  struggled  as  hard  as  it  is 
possible  for  man  to.  struggle  ;  and  yet  I  found  myself  pressing  her 
lips,  and  looking  with  pitying  eyes  at  her  handsome  face  ;  and 
this  child  of  nature  smiled  when  she  found  that  1  was  not  cold 
and  stern  as  I  should  have  been. 

"  You  will  not  send  me  away  from  you?  You  will  let  me  re- 
main with  you  —  will  you  not?"  she  asked  ;  and  put  her  arms 
about  my  neck  and  held  me  fast. 

"  I  must  think  of  the  matter,"  I  answered,  striving  to  with- 
draw her  arms  from  my  neck  ;  but  she  resisted. 

"  No,"  she  said,  "  you  shall  decide  now,  or  I  shall  die.  For 
many  days  I  have  thought  of  but  you,  and  now  that  I  hold  you 
in  my  arms,  my  heart  will  surely  break  if  you  leave  me." 

Was  ever  man  placed  in  a  more  uncomfortable  position  ?  Which- 
ever way  I  turned  there  was  disaster  and  ruin  to  my  hopes.  If 
Julia  should  hear  that  Lilly  was  on  board,  how  could  I  convince 
her  that  the  kanaka  girl  was  not  there  from  connivance?  JSIy 


176 

protestations  of  innocence  would  not  be  believed.  I  knew  enough 
of  Julia's  mind  to  understand  that  without  the  slightest  doubt. 
If  I  was  cold  to  Lilly,  and  kept  her  at  a  distance,  the  result  would 
be  the  same  if  the  fact  of  the  girl's-being  on  board  was  known. 
But  suppose  it  was  not  known  ?  The  question  suddenly  presented 
itself  to  my  mind  with  startling  distinctness,  and  I  thought  of  the 
matter.  If  Julia  should  never  hear  of  Lilly's  imprudence,  of 
course  there  would  be  no  trouble,  and  I  should  have  plain  sailing. 
The  kanaka  girl  would  be  happy  —  Julia  would  be  happy,  be- 
lieving me  good  and  true,  as  I  hoped  I  should  be.  On  the  whole, 
I  began  to  look  upon  the  bright  side  of  the  picture  ;  and  while  I 
was  thinking,  I  suffered  Lilly's  arms  to  remain  around  my  neck. 

"  Ah,  you  don't  know  how  I  managed  to  get  here,"  the  girl 
said,  in_a  triumphant  tone. 

I  confessed  my  ignorance  with  a  smile,  for  I  was  fast  softening. 

"  Your  friends  told  me  you  were  going  as  master  of  the  vessel, 
and  I  determined  to  go  with  you,  and  said  so.  They  refused  to 
let  me  ;  but  I  pleaded  so  hard,  and  promised  not  to  make  myself 
known,  that  they  consented.  They  gave  me  a  suit  of  boys'  clothes, 
and  I  left  the  village  with  them.  But  I  nearly  died  the  first  time 
I  saw  you.  I  wanted  to  run  into  your  arms  and  kiss  you,  as  I  used 
to.  Did  you  not  see  me  tremble?  I  then  knew  I  should  have  to 
tell  you  who  I  was,  and  longed  for  the  time.  You  are  not  angry  !  " 

Of  course  I  could  not  say  that  I  was,  and  then  I  went  on  deck, 
and  over  me  was  floating  the  flag  which  Julia  made  ;  and  I  sighed 
as  I  ordered  it  down  ;  and  while  it  was  on  its  way  to  the  deck, 
Julia  was  on  her  knees,  in  her  chamber,  praying  for  her  absent 
lover.  God  help  us,  for  fate  has  played  a  cruel  trick,  and  one 
which  I  would  have  avoided. 

As  I  walked  the  quarter-deck  of  the  schooner  that  evening,  my 
thoughts  were  far  from  being  enviable.  My  well-laid  plans  were 
disarranged,  and  I  saw  disappointment  and  much  misery  in  store 
for  us,  unless  I  could  keep  the  whole  matter  secret  from  Julia. 
This  was  what  my  conscience  did  not  approve  ;  but  I  saw  no  other 
plan,  and  would  therefore  turn  my  thoughts  towards  enforcing 
upon  my  shipmates  the  great  necessity  for  secrecy;  anfl  when  I 
reached  this  conclusion,  I  looked  up  and  and  saw  Mr.  Topmall 
within  a  few  feet  of  me,  waiting  as  though  lie  was  desirous  of 
speaking. 

"  Do  you  want  to  see  me  ?  "  I  asked. 


WISE    COUNSELS.  177 

"  Yes,  sir,  I  wants  to  say  something  about  that  gal.  You've 
found  it  out,  Jake  tells  me." 

"  I  have,  and  I  wish  that  I  had  done  so  before.  You  did  very 
wrong  to  let  her  come.  It  will  injure  me." 

"  I  hope  not,"  answered  the  mate.  "  I  would  have  sooner  cut 
my  own  hand  off  than  do  you  an  injury.  The  gal  cried  and  cried, 
and  had  fits,  and  rolled  up  her  eyes,  and  kicked  like  a  thirty-two- 
pound  gun  when  she  heard  you  was  going,  and  that  we  were 
going  with  you.  She  said  she  would  go,  and  we  couldn't  help 
ourselves  ;  and  she  scratched  my  face  when  I  said  she  couldn't. 
What  could  I  do  with  such  a  gal?  We  thought  it  was  best  to 
take  her  along,  and  she  promised  to  keep  quiet,  and  not  let  you 
know  who  she  was." 

u  Still,  it  is  likely  to  involve  me  in  trouble."  I  remarked.  "  I 
am  engaged  to  an  amiable  young  lady,  and  if  she  should  hear  of 
it  there  would  be  a  tempest." 

"  Then  don't  let  her  hear  of  it,"  was  the  sagacious  remark. 
"  There's  only  me,  Will,  and  Jake,  what  knows  it,  and  we  ain't 
going  to  say  nothing,  not  if  we  knows  it.  I  don't  think  that  it's 
much  of  a  hardship  to  have  a  pretty  gal  on  board  of  a  vessel,  not 
if  that  pretty  gal  has  a  fancy  for  yer." 

"  It  is  not  right,"  I  remarked. 

44  It  may  not  be  right,"  replied  the  matter-of-fact  mate,  "  but 
I  know  it  is  quite  human  ;  and  I  allers  supposed  sailors  had  a  good 
deal  of  humanity  in  their  buzums.  At  any  rate,  they  shows  it 
when  they  comes  alongside  a  pretty  gal." 

"Well,  well,"  I  answered,  with  an  air  of  resignation,  "just 
keep  the  affair  quiet  and  tell  Will  and  Jake  to  do  the  same.  The 
rest  of  the  men  know  nothing  about  it,  and  they  need  not.  Lilly 
can  remain  in  the  cabin,  and  I'll  let  her  make  up  a  bed  in  my 
state-room  for  the  present." 

u  Yes,  sir,  1  s'posed  you  would,"  was  the  reply  ;  and  the  mate 
looked  serious,  as  though  no  joke  was  intended. 

"  I'll  take  care  that  nothing  is  said,"  he  continued,  after  a  mo 
ment's  pause.     "  Only  don't  you  pet  the  gal  afore  all  hands,  'cos 
they  might  suspect 'that  she  wasn't  a  boy  ;  "  and  after  perpetrating 
Buch  a  bull,  the  mate  went  forward  to  smoke  bis  pipe,  and  Hatch 
came  on  deck. 

"  Say,  Allspice,  do  you  know  that  kanaka  boy  is  lying  in  your 
berth,  as  though  he  had  a  right  there?"  Hatch  remarked. 
12 


178  j 

"  Yes ;  I  put  him  there  for  the  present.  He  was  sick,  and  I 
took  pity  on  him." 

"  That's  more  than  I  would  do.  You  don't  begin  right  for  a 
master  of  a  vessel.  Go  down  and  rouse  the  fellow  out,  and  make 
him  move." 

"  No  ;  I  think  I  will  let  him  remain." 

"  Ah,  well,  I  have  no  more  to  say.  He's  a  good-looking  young- 
ster, and  has  more  of  a  girl's  ways  than  any  boy  I  ever  saw  ;  " 
and  Hatch,  entirely  unconscious  how  near  he  had  shot,  walked 
aft,  and  enjoyed  the  evening  air  and  his  cigar  at  the  same  time. 

I  felt  a  hand  laid  upon  mine  in  a  timid  manner,  as  though  the 
owner  was  uncertain  of  its  reception.  I  turned  and  saw  Lilly 
standing  by  my  side,  her  dark  eyes  raised  to  my  face  in  such  an 
imploring  manner,  that  I  could  not  help  re-assuring  her  by  put- 
ting an  arm  around  her  waist  and  patting  her  cheek. 

'*  You  are  not  angry  now  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  No  ;  I  am  determined  to  do  the  best  that  I  can  by  you,  but 
it  will  be  the  last  time  that  you  sail  with  me.  It  is  wrong." 

"  Was  it  wrong  for  us  to  love  when  you  were  at  my  father's 
village?"  she  asked. 

"  Yes,  I  think  that  it  was." 

"Then  why  did  you  tell  me,  at  that  time,  that  it  was  right?" 
Lilly  asked  ;  and  there  was  more  sternness  in  her  voice  than  I 
had  ever  heard  her  use  before. 

"  We  will  not  discuss  the  matter  now,"  I  remarked.  "  You 
are  here,  and  I'll  protect  you,  as  you  protected  me  when  I  first 
saw  you.  No  one  need  know  that  you  are  a  woman,  and,  in  fact, 
I  don't  desire  that  they  shall." 

She  promised  to  retain  her  boy's  clothes,  and  not  expose  her 
sex,  and  said  that  in  all  things  she  would  obey  me,  and  the 
only  reward  she  desired  was  a  smile  and  a  kind  word,  and  the 
privilege  of  being  near  me;  and  how  could  I  refuse  her  the 
little  that  she  asked? 

I  sent  the  poor  child  —  she  seemed  like  a  child  to  me  —  below, 
and  then  walked  the  deck  for  a  long  time,  thinking  of  my  singular 
fortunes,  and  wondering  how  they  would  terminate.  At  last  I 
gave  up  all  hope  of  seeing  my  way  clear,  and  then  left  the  deck 
in  charge  of  the  mate,  and  went  below. 

I  was  awakened  the  next  morning  at  six  bells  by  hearing  the 
morning  watch  wash  down  the  deck,  and  by  the  pitching  of  the 
schooner^  as  though  a  fresh  breeze  was  blowing. 


SAN    FRANCISCO   HARBOR.  179 

At  eight  o'clock  we  had  breakfast,  and  my  select  company 
mustered  around  the  table  with  excellent  apffetites,  and  quite 
happy.  I  longed  to  give  Lilly  a  chance  at  the  same  table  with 
me  ;  but  I  did  not  dare  to,  for  fear  some  questions  would  be  asked 
and  some  suspicions  excited.  The  poor  girl  made  a  show  of  as- 
sisting Jake  to  wait  upon  us,  but  it  was  all  show  ;  and  when 
Hatch  asked  her  for  something,  Jake  was  quickly  on  hand  to 
supply  whatever  was  wanted. 

Days  passed  on  quite  pleasantly.  My  secret  was  kept,  and  I 
don't  think  that  any  one  suspected  it,  unless  it  was  Hatch,  and  he 
was  too  much  of  a  man  of  the  world  to  make  a  remark  unless  his 
opinion  was  asked.  In  the  mean  time  we  drifted  on  towards 
California,  sometimes  with  favorable  winds,  and  at  others  pound- 
ing against  stiff  north-west  trades. 

At  last  we  made  the  land,  and  by  an  observation  found  that 
we  were  about  twenty  miles  to  the  north  of  the  Golden  Gate ; 
and  with  a  free  wind  we  ran  along  the  rocky  coast,  upon  which  we 
could  see  the  surf  rolling  and  tumbling,  having  the  full  sweep  of 
the  Pacific.  Then  the  men  commenced  preparations  for  entering 
port  by  donning  clean  shirts  and  trousers  ;  and  Hatch  shaved,  and 
appeared  upon  the  quarter-deck  with  a  starched  white  shirt  and 
black  pants,  with  boots  polished  as  though  he  were  to  appear  in 
the  presence  of  ladies  with  a  critical  turn  of  mind. 

With  a  fair  wind  and  tide,  we  at  length  reached  the  entrance 
of  the  noble  harbor,  and  pointed  the  nose  of  the  Helen  for  Bird 
Island,  over  which  place  thousands  of  gulls  and  other  sea-fowls 
were  flying,  as  though  never  disturbed  by  man.  But  we  saw  no 
signs  of  humanity,  excepting  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  which  were 
flying  on  the  starboard  side  of  the  entrance. 

Very  beautiful  did  the  mountains  and  valleys  look,  covered  with 
their  quilts  of  green,  spotted  with  flowers,  which  raised  their 
heads  and  emitted  perfumes,  as  though  proud  of  their  mission. 
The  air  was  so  delicious  and  pure  that  it  seemed  to  act  on  the 
brain  like  a  glass  of  wine  taken  by  a  person  unaccustomed  to  the 
juice  of  the  grape  ;  and  so  enchanted  was  I  with  the  scene,  that 
it  was  not  until  the  ex-whaling  captain  spoke  to  me  that  I  was 
aroused  to  a  sense  of  my  responsibility. 

"  Better  douse  some  of  the  sail,  sir,"  he  said.  "  We  don't 
want  it  all." 

'*  In  with   the  foresail  and  flying-jib,"  I  replied.     ;'  I  was  ad- 


180  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

miring  the  scenery  so  much  that  I  forgot  I  was  in  command,"  1 
continued,  by  way  of  apology  to  Hatch  and  Myers,  who  stood  on 
the  quarter-deck. 

"Where's  the  city?"  asked  the  former.  "Show  me  the  city. 
I  don't  t)elieve  that  there  is  one.  It's  all  a  blasted  lie,  and  we've 
,come  here  for  nothing." 

At  that  instant  we  luffed  a  little,  and  rounded  Telegraph  Hill ; 
and  then  we  caught  sight  of  famed  San  Francisco,  and  the  ship- 
ping in  front  of  it.  I  must  confess  to  a  feeling  of  intense  disap- 
pointment and  disgust.  I  could  see  but  a  dozen  or  more  houses, 
scattered  far  apart,  and  apparently  built  in  a  hurry,  excepting 
some  six  or  seven  which  seemed  to  have  been  planted  many  years, 
and  to  have  been  ill  used,  and  therefore  stunted  in  their  growth. 
Between  the  buildings  were  tents,  and  scattered  on  the  hill-sides 
were  tents  of  all  sizes  and  shapes  —  tents  of  India  rubber  cloth, 
and  tents  nearly  as  dark,  made  of  stout  canvas  —  tents  made  of 
cotton  cloth,  so  very  dirty  that  it  seemed  a  mystery  how  they  man- 
aged to  stand  erect  under  the  heavy  weight  which  pressed  them 
down  —  tents  improvised  from  rough  pine  boards  and  pieces  of 
old  sails,  with  the  blocks  and  ropes  still  attached  to  them,  and 
stretched  to  anchors  in  the  shape  of  wooden  pegs,  as  though  the 
owners  were  fearful  of  returning  home  some  night  and  finding 
their  houses  in  the  bay.  And  then  along  the  beach  were  more 
tents.  In  that  part  of  the  city  which  was  afterwards  known  as 
"  Happy  Valley  "  were  tents  of;  mammoth  dimensions,  with  rusty 
stove-pipes  protruding  from  them,  as  though  the  owners  were 
perfectly  reckless  of  fire,  and  cared  but  little  if  their  castles  were 
burned  to  ashes. 

In  front  of  the  town  were  about  twenty  vessels,  ships,  and 
craft  of  smaller  size,  and  apparently  deserted,  with  the  exception 
of  one  man  who  looked  over  the  rail,  and  seemed  anxious  to  take 
flight,  and  probably  wondered  why  he  remained  there,  when  every- 
body else  had  fled.  The  ship-keeper  gazed  for  a  moment  at  our 
flag,  representative  of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  then  lighting 
his  pipe,  paced  the  deck  with  rapid  strides,  as,  though  suffering 
under  some  excitement. 

As  we  slowly  drifted  past  a  large  ship,  I  hailed  a  man  I  saw 
on  the  quarter-deck  for  information. 

"  How  near  can  I  run  in  shore  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  You  can  stand  in  a  cable's  length  further  before  you  touch 


A    DISCOURAGED    CAPTAIN.  181 

the  flats,"  was  the  answer,  "  unless  you  draw  over  eight  feet  of 
water.  But  you  may  as  well  beach  the  craft  as  to  anchor ;  "  and 
the  speaker  tore  out  a  handful  of  his  hair  and  stamped  upon  it, 
expressive  of  his  rage. 

44  For  what  reason?  "  I  asked. 

"  You'll  know  soon  enough.  Before  your  mud-hook  is  let  go, 
your  crew  will  be  on  shore,  and  asking  two  hundred  dollars  a 
month  for  wages.  The  men  run  like  sheep.  I've  been  waiting 
here  two  mouths  for  a,  crew,  and  I  may  wait  until  the  ship  sinks 
before  I  can  get  one." 

"  Gold  is  plenty,  I  suppose,"  I  remarked. 

"  Don't  say  gold  to  me  !  "  cried  the  master.  "  I'm  tired  of  hear- 
ing of  nothing  but  gold  and  lucky  strikes.  Luff  a  little,  and  you 
will  forge  ahead  enough  to  reach  good  anchorage.  What  are  you 
loaded  with?" 

"  Provisions,"  I  answered. 

"  Thank  God.  They  are  needed  enough.  When  you  sell  to 
the  rascals  on  shore.,  make  'em  agree  to  land  cargo.  You  will 
find  an  advantage  in  it.  Of  all  the  places  to  discharge  ship,  I 
think  this  is  the  worst  that  I  ever  saw  or  heard  of." 

"  Won't  you  come  on  board?"  I  asked.  "We  have  some 
fruit  and  a  good  glass  of  punch  for  you,"  I  continued. 

"  Fruit !  "  repeated  the  captain  with  a  second  pull  at  his  hair. 
"  I  don't  think  I  should  know  an  orange  if  I  should  see  it ;  and  I 
should  faint  at  the  sight  of  a  potato." 

"  Come  and  try  it,"  I  responded.  "  I  have  something  that  will 
bring  you  to,  if  you  should  faint." 

The  captain  waved  his  hand  in  token  of  accepting  the  invita- 
tion ;  and  in  a  few  moments,  just  as  we  dropped  anchor  in  eight 
feet  of  water,  with  mud  for  holding-ground,  I  saw  the  gentleman 
leave  the  side  of  his  ship,  and  skull  a  small  boat  towards  us. 

He  was  a  thin,  nervous-looking  man,  with  stiff,  gray  hair,  and 
a  dark,  resolute  eye,  and  introduced  himself  as  Samuel  Cross- 
trees,  of  the  ship  Iowa,  of  New  York. 

"  I  loaded  with  sojers  and  stores  for  this  place,"  he  said,  as 
soon  as  we  had  shaken  hands  ;  "  and  a  pretty  mess  I've  made  of 
it.  By  the  time  I  had  discharged  cargo,  news  of  the  gold  mines 
arrived,  and  they  told  such  outrageous  stories  that  the  town  was 
in  an  uproar  at  once.  The  sojers  left  their  muskets,  and  run  for 
it,  The  sailors  dropped  their  marline-spikes,  and  they  run  for  it 


182  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

also,  taking  boats  and  everything  they  could  steal.  My  men 
came  aft,  and  asked  for  their  discharges,  mates  and  all.  I  told  them 
they  couldn't  have  them ;  and  the  next  morning,  when  I  turned 
out,  two  of  the  boats  were  missing,  and  all  hands  had  left  in  them 
for  the  gold  mines  up  the  Sacramento  River.  I  applied  to  the 
commander  of  the  United  States  forces  on  shore,  and  he  said 
that  his  men  were  leaving  in  the  same  way,  and  that  if  he  should 
send  sojers  after  the  sailors,  the  former  would  never  come  back." 

I  invited  the  captain  into  the  cabin,  where  Jake  had  spread  a 
collation  of  fruit,  and  filled  a  bowl  with  punch. 

"  God  bless  me,  are  these  oranges?"  he  asked.  "  I  never  ex- 
pected to  see  one  again.  Have  you  many  on  board?" 

u  About  ten  thousand,"  I  answered. 

"  Do  you  know  what  they  will  sell  for  here  by  the  hundred?  " 
Captain  Crosstrees  asked. 

u  I  have  not  the  slightest  idea." 

"  I  should  be.  safe  in  offering  you  fifty  dollars  a  hundred,  and 
I'd  make  a  profit  at  that  price." 

The  sum  was  so  large  that  I  thought  the  sight  of  the  fruit  and 
punch  had  turned  his  brain.  But  no  ;  the  man  was  serious,  and 
meant  what  he  said.  I  had  yet  to  take  a  lesson  in  California  prices. 

The  captain  took  hold  of  the  fruit  and  punch  as  though  he  liked 
them. 

"  Let  me  give  you  a  word  of  advice,"  he  said,  while  sipping  his 
grog.  ."  When  you  sell  cargo,  make  an  express  bargain  that  the 
purchasers  shall  receive  it  alongside.  That  will  save  you  an 
enormous  expense  and  much  trouble.  By  the  way,  what  a  hand- 
some boy  that  is !  "  and  the  captain  pointed  to  Lilly,  who  blushed 
under  his  ardent  gaze.  "  He's  handsome  enough  to  be  a  girl.  I 
wish  I  had  such  a  lad  on  board  the  Iowa.  He's  just  what  1  want 
to  wait  upon  the  table." 

Poor  Lilly  retired  from  the  cabin  in  a  hurry,  for  she  feared  the 
sharp  eyes  of  the  captain. 

"  What  prospect  is  there  of  starting  a  commission  house  on 
shore?  "  asked  Hatch,  who  was  drinking  punch,  like  the  rest  of  us 

u  If  you  have  money  to  commence  with,  you  can  start  anything 
and  make  it  pay.  I  know  that  speculators  are  as  busy  as  the 
devil  in  a  gale  of  wind.  Money  is  worth  ten  per  cent,  per  month, 
and  land  is  jumping  up  in  value  every  day.  Fortunes  will  be 
made  and  lost  in  a  month's  time :  and  the  men  who  will  sue- 


FIRST    SIGHT    OF   GOLD.  183 

ceed  best  are  the  sharp  ones,  who  will  know  when  they  have  got 
enough." 

"  If  it  would  not  be  too  much  trouble,  I  should  like  to  have 
you  go  on  shore  with  me,"  I  said. 

"  I'll  do  it.  I've  got  nothing  else  to  do.  I'll  introduce  you  to 
the  custom-house  folks,  and  put  in  an  oar  on  your  behalf." 

"  And  then  come  hack  and  dine  with  me,"  I  said. 

u  Not  the  slightest  objections.  It  is  so  long  since  I  have 
had  a  dinner  that  I  am  afraid  a  good  one  will  make  me  sick." 

I  took  the  schooner's  boat  and  manned  it  with  three  kanakas 
and  Will.  Hatch  went  on  shore  with  us.  We  reached  the  land 
with  some  difficulty,  for  the  flats  extended  for  many  fathoms  in 
front  of  the  town,  and  consequently  the  water  was  very  shoal. 
But  as  our  boat  grounded,  the  kanakas  jumped  overboard, 
and  hauled  the  pinnace  to  the  beach,  and  we  landed  upon  the 
golden  shores  of  California,  although,  to  tell  the  truth,  they  did 
not  look  very  golden,  for  I  saw  nothing  but  mud,  dust,  broken 
bottles,  discarded  shirts,  old  boots,  and  much  rubbish.  Yet  every 
person  we  met  seemed  busy,  eager,  and  anxious.  Captain  Cross- 
trees  called  my  attention  to  some  lumps  of  gold  in  a  window, 
one  of  which  was  as  large  as  my  fist,  and  must  have  weighed 
several  pounds. 

"  The  large  lump  that  you  see,"  the  captain  said,  "  was  found 
by  a  sailor.  As  soon  as  he  picked  it  from  the  dirt,  he  threw 
away  his  tools,  au,d  came  to  this  place  to  have  a  time.  He  sold 
the  nugget  at  the  rate  of  fourteen  dollars  an  ounce,  and  it's  well 
worth  nineteen  or  twenty  dollars.  Of  course  the  money  was 
spent  for  ruin,  and  I  recently  saw  the  fellow  on  his  way  back  to 
the  mines." 

We  passed  along,  and  encountered  an  Indian,  bareheaded,  jvith 
only  a  blanket  thrown  around  his  person.  Barefooted  and  bare- 
legged, he  moved  along,  swinging  a  large  buckskin  bag,  which 
seemed  heavy  and  full. 

"  He  has  just  come  in  from  some  of  the  mines,"  the  captain 
said,  "  and  will  buy  a  barrel  of  rum  and  some  other  articles,  and 
return  to  his  compauions.  They  will  have  a  feast,  and  a  grand 
drunk,  and  after  getting  sober,  will  once  more  commence  work. 
But  here  we  are  at  the  custom-house  ;  come  in  and  let's  see  what 
the  collector  says." 


184  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

A  MODEL  COLLECTOR.  -  DISCHARGING  CARGO.  -  CALIFORIA  PRICES. 
-  GOLD   AND   PROFITS.  -  MY  EXPERIENCE. 

THE  custom-house  did  not  creafe  a  profound  impression  on 
my  mind.  It  was  situated  on  what  was  called  the  Plaza,  and  op- 
posite to  it  was  a  building  just  under  way,  which  was  intended  for 
the  hotel  of  San  Francisco.  The  door  leading  to  the  collector's 
room  was  open,  and  we  pushed  in,  and  saw  the  officer,  with  his  feet 
upon  a  table,  a  pipe  in  his.  mouth,  and  his  hat  upon  the  back  of 
his  head. 

"  Well."  asked  the  collector,  "  what  can  I  do  for  you?" 

I  told  him  of  my  arrival,  and  my  desire  to  discharge  cargo  as 
soon  as  possible,  and  that  I  wanted  the  duties  assessed  at  a  rea- 
son.able  rate  if  it  was  in  his  power  to  do  so. 

u  I'll  do  the  best  I  can  for  you,"  answered  the  collector.  u  I've 
only  two  inspectors  attached  to  the  office,  and  they  are  on  board 
of  Chilian  ships.  Let  me  see  your  manifest,  and  I'll  tell  you 
what  I'll  do." 

I  showed  him  the  paper,  and  he  looked  it  over. 

"  All  these  articles,  excepting  the  fruit,  came  from  the  States 
originally,  I  suppose." 

u  You  can  be  certain  of  that,"  I  remarked. 

"  Well,  I  don't  see  why  you  should  pay  heavy  duties,  when 
your  cargo  is  really  needed  here.  To  be  sure,  you  will  get  prices 
for  everything  you  have  ;  but  I  don't  object  to  that.  Suppose  I 
say  five  hundred  dollars,  and  settle  the  matter." 

Captain  Crosstrees  punched  me  to  accept  the  offer,  and  I  did  ; 
for  it  was  less  than  what  we  had  calculated  on  by  one  half. 

"  Well,  then,  I'll  make  you  out  a  permit,  and  you  can  discharge 
as  soon  as  you  please  ;  and  if  you  are  inclined,  you  may  send  a 
dozen  oranges  to  the  office." 

"  I'll  send  a  hundred,"  I  said. 

"  Ah,  will  you?     Well,  I  shan't  object." 

u  While  he  is  in  the  humor,  get  a  coasting  permit,  ^  whispered 
Crosstrees.  "  You  will  find  it  useful  in  case  you  want  to  run  up 
the  n'vers." 


RUNAWAYS.  185 

I  asked  for  the  permit,  but  the  collector  hesitated  for  a 
moment. 

"  Well,  you  may  as  well  have  one,  I  suppose.  It  won't  do  you 
any  harm.  I'll  make  it  out,  and  send  it  to  you  when  you  deliver 
the  oranges." 

I  received  my  permit,  and  we  left  the  collector,  and  returned  to 
the  boats  ;  but  to  my  surprise  I  found  only  Will  by  it. 

u  Where  are  the  kanakas?  "  I  asked. 

"  They've  gone  to  look  for  some  friends,"  was  the  answer. 

"  They  have  run  away,"  cried  the  captain.  u  It  is  no  use  to 
stop  for  them.  Such  is  California.  You  may  see  them  in  the 
course  of  a  day  or  two.  and  you  may  not." 

We  pushed  off  the  boat,  and  reached  the  schooner,  where  I 
was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  that  all  hands  had  not  left. 

Mr.  Topmall  uttered  a  few  vigorous  curses,  directed  against 
kanakas  and  runaways  in  particular  ;  forgetting,  for  the  moment, 
that  he  had  run  away  twice  during  his  career  as  a  seaman.  It 
was  now  three  o'clock,  and  Jake  announced  that  dinner  was  ready. 
We  had  hardly  sat  down  to  the  table,  when  my  friend  Hatch  en- 
tered the  cabin,  his  face  manifesting  many  tokens  of  rage. 

"  How  much  do  you  suppose  I  had  to  pay  for  a  passage  on 
board?"  he  asked. 

We  pretended  that  we  didn't  know. 

"  A  dollar,  as  I'm  a  sinner  ;  and  the  boatman  was  as  indepen- 
dent as  a  hog  on  ice.  What  do  you  think  of  that?" 

"  I  think,"  said  Crosstrees,  "that  you  had  better  feel  thankful 
for  being  on  board,  and  not  count  the  cost." 

"Perhaps  I  had,"  Hatch -said  ;  and  he  seated  himself  at  the 
table,  and  fell  to  with  an  appetite. 

"  What  luck  on  shore?"  I  asked. 

"  Nothing  to  boast  of,"  was  the  reply.  "  I  saw  a  fellow,  and 
asked  him  what  he  would  sell  his  tent  for.  He  said  five  hundred 
dollars,  and  didn't  want  to  sell  at  that.  I  laughed  at  him,  and 
passed  on  ;  but  I  found  that  the  farther  I  went  the  higher  the 
prices.  No,  I  shan't  buy,  but  I  will  build.  I  have  bargained 
for  a  lot  of  land  on  Montgomery  Street,  and  as  soon  as  I  get  the 
boards,  up  goes  a.  store,  and  a  commission  house  is  opened." 

We  congratulated  our  friend  on  his  success,  and  he  rattled  on 
until  Jake  told  me  that  some  men  were  on  deck,  and  desired  to 
see  me.  I  left  my  friends,  and  went  to  see  the  visitors. 


186 

I  found  foui  men,  rough  looking  and  roughly  dressed,  on  the 
quarter  deck. 

"  What  cargo  have  you  to  sell  ?  "  they  asked. 

I  mentioned  some  of  the  articles. 

"  I'll  give  you  five  dollars  apiece  for  your  shovels  and  pick- 
axes," said  one. 

I  was  slightly  astonished,  but  did  not  manifest  it.  The  arti- 
ticles  had  cost  us  seventy-five  cents  each,  delivered  at  Honolulu. 

u  Yes,  or  no?"  cried  the  rough  man,  producing  a  large  bag  of 
gold  dust.  "  Talk  quick,  for  time  is  worth  an  ounce  an  hour  to 
me." 

"  You  can  have  them  —  delivered  alongside,"  I  answered. 

"Can't  you  laud  them?" 

"  I  haven't  got  the  men  to  do  it." 

"  It's  a  bargain.  I  want  the  articles  to-morrow  forenoon.  I 
shall  be  off  after  them  at  ten  o'clock.  I'll  pay  for  them  now." 

All  this  was  uttered  so  rapidly  that  I  hardly  knew  how  to 
act,  but  at  that  moment  Captain  Crosstrees  came  up  and  re~ 
lieved  me. 

"  Have  you  got  a  pair  of  scales?  "  he  asked  of  the  purchaser  of 
the  picks  and  shovels. 

"  Yes,  on  shore.  None  here.  Supposed  that  every  one  had 
scales  to  weigh  gold." 

"  Hold  on  a  moment,"  said  the  captain.  "  I've  got  a  pair  on 
board  the  Iowa.  Let  one  of  your  men  go  with  me,  and  I'll  get 
them.  I  shan't  be  gone  more  than  five  minutes." 

I  invited  the  men  into  the  cabin,  and  set  some  fruit  before  them, 
and  gave  them  some  nice  claret,  and  my  hospitality  won  their 
hearts. 

"  Come,"  cried  one,  "  let  us  see  if  we  can't  make  a  trade  for 
some  other  articles.  We  have  met  a  gentleman,  and  can  buy  of 
him  as  cheap  as  any  other  person." 

"  What  will  you  sell  potatoes  at  a  pound?"  asked  one.  "  I  see 
you  have  a  hundred  bushels." 

"  What  is  the  price  on  shore  ?  "  I  answered. 

"  There  you  have  us.  There  are  none  on  shore,  and  scurvy  is 
making  its  appearance  for  the  want  of  vegetables.  I'll  give  you 
fifty  cents  a  pound,  and  take  the  lot ;  but  I  want  them  this  after- 
noon." 

"  Delivered  alongside,"  I  added. 


SELLING   CARGO.  *  187 

"  Well,  yes,  I'll  come  off  after  them." 

"  I  take  the  offer.     Cash  on  delivery." 

"  Of  course.  The  man  who  gives  credit  here  is  a  fool.  You 
mark  that,  for  you  are  a  stranger  here." 

By  this  time  the  captain  of  the  Iowa  arrived  with  the  scales. 

u  Sixteen  dollars  per  ounce,"  cried  the  rough  man,  as  he  un- 
tied the  mouth  of  the  bag,  and  poured  the  glittering  dust  into  the 
scales. 

"  Of  course,"  I  said  ;  and  in  went  the  dust  until  the  weight  was 
complete,  and  I  found  that  I  was  master  of  five  thousand  dollars 
worth  of  gold  dust,  which  was  worth  in  the  United  States  or 
England  nineteen  dollars  per  ounce. 

"  What  do  you  say  to  fifty  dollars  per  barrel  for  your  mess 
pork,  and  sixty  for  the  clear  ?  "  asked  one  of  the  buyers. 

I  saw  that  the  captain  of  the  Iowa  nodded  as  though  advising 
me  to  take  up  with  the  offer ;  so  I  said  that  I  thought  favorably 
of  it. 

u  Then  we'll  take  it,  and  have  the  lighters  alongside  in  the 
morning.  That  will  do  for  one  day.  Come  along." 

They  left  the  schooner,  but  in  one  hours  time  a  ship's  launch 
came  alongside,  and  the  man  who  had  bought  the  potatoes  came 
with  it,  accompanied  by  a  platform  balance  and  sacks  for  bagging 
the  esculents. 

I  took  off  the  hatches,  and  set  the  men  to  work  filling  the  sacks 
and  weighing  them,  and  before  night  all  the  potatoes  were  in  the 
launch,  with  the  exception  of  some  saved  for  the  use  of  my  crew, 
and  a  bushel  I  sent  on  board  the  Iowa  in  return  for  the  master's 
valuable  aid. 

That  transaction  brought  me  in  the  snug  little  sum  of  three 
thousand  dollars,  and  then  I  sold  what  oranges  I  had  left  for 
two  thousand  dollars,  and  the  purchaser  thought  he  had  got  a 
great  bargain,  and  I  believe  the  fellow  did  sell  some  of  the  fruit 
at  the  rate  of  a  dollar  apiece,  but  I  had  no  cause  to  complain. 

My  friend,  the  ex-whaling  captain,  as  I  expected  he  would, 
left  me  early  in  the  day  for  the  shore,  in  company  with  Hatch. 
I  was  now  independent  of  him,  as  I  had  learned  enough  of  navi- 
gation to  pick  my  way  most  anywhere.  Mr.  Myers  did  not  re- 
turn on  board  again  until  dark,  and  then  he  came  after  his  chest 
of  clothes. 

"  I've  got  a  chance,"  he  said,  as  he  dragged  his  box  over  the 
deck  to  the  gangway. 


188  •  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

u  At  what  business?"  I  asked. 

"  Well,  rather  in  the  pasteboard  line,"  he  answered,  after  a 
moment's  hesitation. 

I  wondered  what  that  was,  but  did  not  ask,  as  the  captain 
seemed  in  a  hurry. 

But  to  return  to  our  discharging.  We  got  out  the  pork  and 
shovels,  during  the  day,  and  did  not  have  to  work  very  hard,  after 
all,  but  while  laboring  I  had  any  quantity  of  visitors.  The  Helen 
was  the  only  vessel  in  port  that  had  provisions  to  sell,  and  of 
course  the  speculators  flocked  to  her  in  crowds.  All  day  long  a 
stream  of  gold  poured  in  upon  me,  and  at  the  end  of  three  days  I 
found  that  the  cargo  was  almost  cleared  out,  and  that  I  was  the 
possessor  of  seventy-five  thousand  dollars,  having  cleared  over 
sixty  thousand  dollars  by  the  venture. 

I  retired  to  rest  the  night  that  the  schooner  was  clear  of 
cargo,  impressed  with  the  responsibility  of  my  position,  and  fear- 
ful that  I  had  too  much  gold  on  board  to  feel  quite  as  secure  as  I 
desired.  It  was  well  known  that  there  were  many  ruffians  in 
California,  who  had  hastened  to  San  Francisco  from  ports  in  the 
Pacific,  and  were  determined  to  live  by  gambling  and  robbing, 
and  not  by  honest  labor.  Many  of  them  were  Mexicans  and 
Chilians  discharged  from  chain  gangs,  and  capable  of  any  crimes 
if  gold  was  to  be  obtained  by  committing  them. 

So  firmly  was  I  impressed  with  this  idea,  that  I  arose  and 
struck  a  light,  and  went  on  deck.  There  was  no  anchor  watch, 
for  the  men  were  tired,  and  had  gone  to  sleep.  The  night  was 
quiet,  but  I  could  hear  music  in  the  gambling  saloons  on  shore, 
and  occasionally  the  loud  blast  of  a  trumpet,  as  though  calling 
upon  every  one  to  come  forward  and  risk  their  money,  and  win 
or  lose  a  fortune.  % 

The  night  air  cooled  my  brain,  and  I  began  to  think  that  my 
fancies  were  foolish.  I  went  back  to  the  cabin,  and  by  accident 
my  eyes  fell  upon  a  revolver,  which  I  had  taken  from  a  chest  the 
day  before.  I  examined  it,  and  found  that  it  was  unloaded.  I 
don't  know  what  prompted  me,  but  I  commenced  charging  the 
pistol,  and  while  I  was  doing  so,  the  mate  poked  his  head  from 
his  state-room. 

"  What's  the  matter,  sir?  "  he  asked. 

"  I  am  loading  a  revolver,"  I  answered,  "  I  have  been  think- 
ing it  is  rather  unsafe  to  remain  here  in  the  stream  without  some 
means  of  defence  in  case  we  are  attacked." 


PREPARING  FOR  AN  ATTACK.  189 

"  Well,"  replied  Mr.  Topmall,  with  a  puzzled  look,  "  I  never 
thought  of  the  matter  afore,  but  I  think  no  one  will  trouble  us 
unless  they  wants  their  heads  broke." 

And  then  the  mate  went  back  to  his  berth,  and  went  to  sleep. 
I  finished  charging  my  pistol,  and  also  retired,  but  I  did  not  go  to 
sleep.  I  remained  awake  until  nearly  two  o'clock,  thinking  of 
various  things,  and,  just  as  I  was  about  to  close  my  eyes,  I  felt 
iomethiug  strike  the  counter  of  the  schooner.  It  seemed  to  me 
that  the  noise  was  occasioned  by  a  boat  which  struck  us  stem  on, 
and  I  waited  to  hear  the  noise  of  oars,  if  any  person  was  coming 
alongside.  I  listened,  but  there  was  no  sound,  and  I  had  about 
concluded  that  a  plank,  drifted  by  the  tide,  had  touched  the 
vessel,  when  I  heard  a  low  whispering  under  the  schooner's 
stern.  I  slipped  out  of  my  berth  in  a  quiet  manner,  and  went  to 
the  cabin  windows,  and  looked  out  carefully,  so  that  those  in  the 
boat  should  not  notice  me.  The  night  was  starlight,  so  that  I 
could  see  quite  well,  and  I  counted  seven  men  in  a  boat,  with 
black  beards  and  dark  faces,  and  they  whispered  in  Spanish,  a, 
language  that  I  had  not  heard  since  I  left  school,  consequent- 
ly knew  but  little  of  it.  It  must  not  be  supposed  that  my 
nocturnal  visitors  were  in  the  least  imprudent.  They  made 
use  of  gestures,  and  talked  very  low ;  and  while  they  were 
thus  engaged. I  saw  the  flash  of  steel,  as  the  starlight  fell  upon  it. 
Every  man  in  the  boat  had  a  knife  in  his  belt  around  his  waist, 
so  as  to  have  it  handy,  but  I  saw  no  pistols.  The  latter  weapons 
were  too  noisy  for  the  ruffians,  who  trusted  to  quick  and  sud- 
den blows  for  effect. 

I  remained  at  the  cabin  window  for  fifteen  minutes,  watching 
the  Chilians  ;  and  during  that  time  they  seemed  half  inclined  to 
abandon  the  expedition.  While  they  were  thus  hesitating,  I 
went  to  the  berth  of  Mr.  Topmall,  and  rather  startled  him  by 
laying  a  hand  upon  his  mouth  before  I  spoke.  He  jumped  up,  and 
was  ready  with  a  blow  and  an  oath,  but  my  voice  quieted  him. 

44  Turn  out,"  I  said.  "Be  quiet,  and  make  no  noise.  There 
is  a  boat-load  of  thieves  alongside,  and  they  mean  mischief." 

44  I'll  smash  'em  to  thunder  ! "  replied  the  mate,  with  a  hoarse 
growl,  which  I  had  some  difficulty  in  checking. 

44  We  will  make  all  sure,  and  let  them  commence  the  attack,"  I 
eaid.  "  Get  a  handspike  or  a  heaver,  and  if  they  offer  to  eutel 
the  cabin  windows,  we'll  make  their  heads  ache." 


190  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Without  stopping  to  put  on  his  shoes,  the  mate  slipped  on  deck, 
and  returned  with  two  handspikes,  and  laid  them  on  the  transom. 
Then  he  called  Will. 

The  Chilians  were  hauling  the  boat  under  the  counter,  and 
had  evidently  made  up  their  minds  that  they  would  send  one  of 
their  number  on  board  for  the  purpose  of  reconnoitring,  and  per- 
haps making  short  work  of  those  who  were  sleeping.  The  ruffian 
who  was  selected  for  the  task,  was  a  tall,  thin  fellow,  with  move- 
ments like  a  cat.  In  his  mouth  he  carried  a  knife,  and  for  fear 
that  he  should  lose  it,  had  a  second  one  in  his  sash.  We 
drew  back  from  the  window  for  the  purpose  of  giving  the  ruffian 
a  chance  to  put  his  head  in  the  trap  which  we  had  set,  and  then 
awaited  events  ;  but  while  we  were  watching,  Will  left  us,  and 
went  on  deck,  promising  to  return  in  case  we  needed  him.  The 
rascal  did  not  make  the  least  noise  in  his  movements.  First 
his  head  appeared,  and  then  his  shoulders ;  and  while  he  was 
crawling  through,  he  suddenly  stopped,  as  though  suspicious  that 
something  was  wrong.  A  movement  on  deck  had  alarmed  him. 
We  had  heard  it  also,  but  knew  that  it  was  Will.  The  Chilian 
paused,  or  rather  attempted  to,  but  those  in  the  boat  continued 
to  press  upward,  and  he  was  compelled  to  move  forward,  like 
a  snake,  on  his  belly.  We  could  see  him  wiggle  as  though  he 
was  attempting  to  kick  his  kind  friends  in  the  boat,  and  thus 
free  his  legs,  but  his  companions  misunderstood  the  signal,  and 
"  boosted  "  him  harder  than  ever,  and  with  some  little  noise  the 
long  Chilian  reached  the  transom,  and  as  he  did  so  Jack's  hand- 
spike fell  with  a  crash  upon  his  head,  and  a  groan  was  the  only 
reply. 

As  the  handspike  which  Jack  wielded  so  successfully  fell  upon 
the  head  of  the  Chilian,  I  sprang  to  the  window,  and  just  in  time 
to  encounter  the  dark  face  of  another  robber.  As  soon  as  he  saw 
me  he  started  back,  and  would  have  retreated  ;  but  that  was 
not  easy,  as  his  companions  were  shoving  him  upward  at  the 
time.  I  stretched  out  my  hand  and  grasped  the  Chilian  by  the 
thick  hair  of  his  head,  and  then  brought  his  face  down  against 
the  hard  wood  with  such  force  that  the  rascal  uttered  a  howl  and 
kicked  over  one  or  two  of  his  friends.  I  held  on,  though,  and 
shouted  for  the  mate,  and  he  came  and  placed  one  of  his  brawny 
hands  amid  the  rough  hair  of  the  rogue,  and  then  we  held  him 
between  us,  and  a  pretty  hard  hold  it  was,  and  rather  rough  on 


BEATING    OFF   THE    CHILIANS.  191 

onr  arms  ;  but  if  we  suffered,  the  Chilian  did  not  come  off  entirely 
harmless,  if  we  were  to  judge  by  his  howls  and  oaths,  and  the 
mauner  in  which  he  called  upon  his  companions  for  help.  But 
those  he  implored  to  assist  him  were  not  able  to,  just  then,  for 
suddenly  there  was  heard  a  rushing  sound,  a  crash,  and  by  the 
cries  of  the  robbers  I  imagined  what  had  happened.  Will  had 
thrown  two  or  three  large  stones  into  the  boat,  and  knocked  its 
bottom  out,  and  the  water  was  rushing  in  at  a  fearful  rate,  caus- 
ing the  rascals  to  struggle  for  their  lives,  and  to  shout  to  all  the 
saints  in  the  calendar  for  help. 

But  while  the  Chilians  were  thus  engaged,  Will  was  not  idle. 
He  had  carried  to  the  quarter-deck  a  basket  of  stones,  taken  from 
the  ballast,  and  while  the  scamps  were  floundering  about,  he 
rained  upon  their  heads  a  shower  of  rocks,  some  of  which  caused 
serious  wounds  ;  and  as  the  Chilians  could  not  stand  that,  they 
dropped  from  the  sinking  boat,  and  drifted  far  astern,  shouting  for 
help,  and  with  but  little  prospect  of  receiving  it. 

"  I  can't  hold  this  fellow  much  longer,"  I  said.  "  What  shall 
we  do  with  him?  " 

"  Let  me  give  him  one  or  two  settlers,  and  let  him  drop,"  the 
mate  answered. 

"  Don't  kill  him,"  I  said. 

"  I  don't  intend  to,  'cos  I  think  he  was  born  to  be  drowndec?. 
He'll  make  a  meal  for  the  fish,  sure ;  "  and  then  with  one  blow  of 
his  heavy  fist  he  struck  the  Chilian  upon  his  face,  and  with  a 
quick  push  sent  the  body  out  of  the  window. 

We  left  the  transom  and  lighted  a  lamp. 

The  Chilian  whose  skull  Mr.  Topmall  had  fractured  was  lying 
upon  the  cabin  floor,  almost  dead,  the  blood  flowing  from  his  head 
and  staining  the  deck.  The  sight  was  so  disagreeable  that  I 
went  on  deck,  where,  to  my  surprise,  I  found  Will  and  Jake,  the 
hitter  standing  on  his  head,  as  an  appropriate  manner  of  express- 
ing his  joy  at  the  defeat  of  the  robbers. 

4t  By  golly,  cap'n,  I  hit  one  of 'em,  and  he  tumbled  in  de  water 
like  a  log,"  cried  Jake,  suddenly  recovering  his  feet.  u  You 
should  have  seed  him  drap." 

u  1  did.     I  was  watching  the  boat  from  the  cabin  windows." 

"  Thank  de  Lord  for  dat.  I  feared  you  wouldn't  see  'em  drap. 
I  sleep  in  de  galley,  when  de  second  mate  come  and  say  to  me  dat 
he  want  me  to  seed  de  fun.  We  got  up  lots  of  stones  from  de 
hold,  and  den  we  let  'em  rip." 


192  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

The  joy  of  the  negro  was  so  great  that  I  feared  he  would  com- 
mit some  extravagant  act ;  so  I  sent  him.  into  the  cabin  to  assist 
the  mate  in  taking  care  of  the  injured  Chilian. 

The  boat  was  still  under  the  counter,  the  rogues  having  fastened 
the.  painter  to  an  eye-bolt,  and  when  the  stones  descended  they ', 
were  too  much  occupied  with  their  escape  to  cut  the  rope.     I  sent 
Will  down,  and  he  cut  the  painter,  and  the  boat  drifted  astern.     I 
then   went  below,   and  found  that  the   Chilian   had  died  while  - 
being  moved  from  the  cabin  floor,  and  the  mate  was  examining 
the    body.      He    had    searched   the  pockets,   but    found    nothing 
excepting  a  head  of  garlic  and  a  bunch  of  paper  cigars,  a  flint •-, 
and  steel,  and  some  loose  tobacco  ;  and  he  was  about  relinquish- 
ing the  examination  when  his  hand  struck  a  money  belt  which 
the  dead  man  had  around  his  waist.     He  removed  it,  and  we  heard 
the  clink  of  gold.     An  examination  followed,  and  we  counted  out 
one  hundred  doubloons,  which  were  undoubtedly  the  fruit  of  his 
crimes.      "We   found  nothing  else  of  importance,  and  then  the] 
question  arose  as  to  what  we  should  do  with  the  body.    That  was; 
soon  disposed  of,  however,  by  launching  it  out  of  the  cabin  win-] 
dow.     I  divided  the  money  among  those  who  were  instrumental 
in  beating  off  the  robbers,  and  we  agreed  to  keep  the  matter  a| 
profound  secret,  and  not  even  allude  to  it  before  the  men  who 
were  in  the  forecastle,  for  it  seemed  that  they  had  not  awakened 
during  the  battle.    After  that  arrangement  Jake  washed  the  cabin 
floor  and  removed  all  signs  of  the  affray,  and  then  we  retired  to 
our  berths,  but  I  was  glad  when  daylight  appeared,  for  it  seemed 
refreshing  to  once  more  see  each  other's  faces  without  the  aid  of 
the  dim  lamp  which  threw  its  uncertain  light  over  the  cabin.     At 
sunrise  a  boat  came  alongside  from  the  shore,  and  relieved  us  of 
the  few  articles  which  we  could  dispose  of,  and  then  I  had  a  visitj 
from  the  master  of  the  Iowa,  whom  I  was  really  pleased  to  see, 
and  who  stopped  for  breakfast. 

*  "  Did  you  hear  a  cry  on  the  water  this  morning?"  asked  Cap- 
tain Crosstrees.  as  we  took  our  seats  at  the  table. 

44  At  what  time?"  I  asked. 

"  Between  one  and  two  o'clock.  It  came  from  this  direction, 
and  if  I  had  had  a  crew  on  board  I  should  have  manned  a  boat 
and  made  an  investigation." 

44  It  seems  to  me  that  I  did  hear  something  of  a  row.  Some 
drunken  men,  I  suppose,  going  on  board  of  their  vessel." 


FRIENDLY  ADVICE.  193 

*'  Yes,  I  guess  so ;  "  and  no  more  remarks  were  made. 

"  Now,  what  do  you  intend  to  do?"  asked  Captain  Crosstrees, 
after  a  moment's  silence. 

44  Leave  port  as  soon  as  possible,  and  return  again." 

"  That  is  a  good  idea ;  but  one  word  of  advice.  Don't  load 
with  flour  and  pork." 

"Why?" 

"  Simply  because  the  market  will  be  glutted  before  you  can 
return.  Hundreds  of  vessels  are  on  their  way  at  the  present 
time  to  this  port.  They  will  commence  arriving  next  mouth, 
advices  having  reached  the  States  that  food  is  wanted  in  this 
country.  Everything  will  go  down  excepting  fresh  provisions, 
for  those  will  be  scarce,  and  many  will  die  with  the  scurvy 
unless  they  have  fruit  and  vegetables  to  eat.  Do  you  see  the 
point  which  I  am  driving  at?" 

"  I  do,  and  shall  improve  on  the  advice  ;  at  the  same  time  I 
thank  you." 

"  When  do  you  leave  port?"  my  guest  asked. 

"Just  as  soon  as  I  can  get  water  on  board  —  to-morrow,  I 
hope." 

"  Have  you  been  on  shore  evenings?  " 

"  No." 

"  Then  let  us  make  a  trip  on  shore  to-night,  and  see  the  sights. 
If  you  want  to  see  how  gambling  is  conducted,  now  is  your  time. 
Will  you  go  with  me  ?  " 

"  Yes.     What  time  shall  we  start?  " 

"  Say  at  eight  o'clock.  Take  your  revolver  with  you,  and  a 
bowie  knife  would  not  come  amiss  in  a  quarrel." 

41  If  you  expect  a  fight  I  won't  go.     My  life  is  precious." 

"  The  only  way  not  to  expect  one  is  to  go  prepared.  There  is 
not  much  fear  if  we  don't  play." 

"  Then  I  shall  go,  for  I  will  not  play." 

After  breakfast  two  men  who  had  shipped  at  Honolulu,  and 
had  stuck  by  the  schooner  until  the  last  portion  of  the  cargo  was 
out,  came  aft  and  wanted  to  see  me. 

"  We  have  kept  our  word,  sir,"  they  said.  "  We  told  you  that 
we  would  stick  by  you  till  the  cargo  was  discharged,  and  now  we 
are  ready  to  go  on  shore,  if  you  don't  want  us  any  longer." 

"  What  wages  can  you  get  on  shore?"  I  asked. 

**  Five  dollars  a  day,"  was  the  answer. 
13 


191  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

**  Well,  I  will  hire  you  for  two  days,  and  pay  you  six  dollars 
each  per  day,  if  you  will  remain  until  I  get  some  water  on  board." 

They  accepted  the  proposition  joyfully,  for  they  were  anxious  to 
show  me  that  they  were  not  ungrateful.  I  sent  them  off  with 
Will  and  a  kanaka  to  fill  half  a  dozen  barrels  of  water. 

About  dusk  Captain  Crosstrees  pulled  on  board.  He  had  on 
a  blue  flannel  shirt,  "a  rough  monkey  jacket,  and  a  stout  pair  of 
boots  with  his  trousers  in  the  tops. 

"  Take  off  that  white  shirt,"  he  said.  "  Only  gamblers  wear 
them  nowadays.  Put  on  a  flannel  shirt  and  the  poorest  pair  of 
trousers  you  own.  We  don't  want  to  attract  attention  by  appear- 
ing too  well  dressed.  Don't  forget  to  put  your  revolver  and  a 
knife  in  your  pockets,  for,  although  California  is  the  most  honest 
place  in  the  world,  and  has  the  most  civil  people  in  San  Francisco 
that  can  be  found  on  the  globe,  yet  still  it  is  best  to  go  armed,  as 
other  folks  make  a  practice  of  so  doing." 

I  changed  my  clothes  as  requested,  and  did  not  forget  to  arm 
myself  as  advised. 

It  was  nearly  dark  when  we  landed  on  the  beach  at  u  Happy 
Valley,"  and  hauled  our  boat  up  high  and  dry. 

The  first  place  we  sought  was  the  Parker  House,  which  had 
just  been  dedicated,  and  was  the  largest  hotel  or  building  in  the 
town.  A  crowd  was  ever  in  front  of  it,  night  and  day,  for  there 
every  one  went  who  was  desirous  of  seeing  the  new  arrivals,  and 
learning  the  latest  news  from  the  mines,  the  quotations  for  pro- 
visions, and  the  market  rates.  This  crowd  we  joined,  and  talked 
and  laughed  with  those  we  knew.  From  our  friends  we  learned 
the  latest  bit  of  scandal  —  how  a  man  had  arrived  with  another 
man's  wife,  and  how  many  young  fellows  were  after  the  woman, 
in  the  hope  that  she  would  run  away  with  them.  In  those  days 
a  woman  was  something  of  a  curiosity,  and  was  rather  highly 
prized  —  much  more  so  than  at  the  present  time.  At  nine  o'clock 
the  first  notes  of  a  post  horn,  the  only  instrument  of  music  in 
San  Francisco,  with  the  exception  of  harps,  guitars,  and  ban- 
jos, informed  the  crowd  that  the  ball  was  in  motion,  and  that 
those  disposed  to  bet  their  money  and  lose  it,  could  have  a  chance. 
In  flocked  the  crowd,  and  surrounded  the  tables,  and  planked  their 
money,  dollars,  eagles,  and  gold  ounces.  For  a  few  minutes  we 
watched  the  throng,  and  then  Captain  Crosstrees  nudged  me  with 
his  elbow. 


GAMBLING     SALOONS.  195 

44  Corae,"  he  said,  "  we  will  visit  the  other  saloons,  and  see 
what  is  going  on,  and  come  back  here  after  the  games  are  under 
way." 

44 1  should  think  they  were  started  now,"  I  remarked. 

44  They  haven't  begun  to  get  warmed  up,"  was  the  answer. 
44  By  one  o'clock,  or  as  soon  as  the  liquor  commences  working, 
the  gamblers  will  begin  to  bet.  They  are  only  testing  their  luck 
now." 

As  we  passed  out  of  the  saloon,  a  man  entered  whose  features 
bore  traces  of  hard  usage,  for  one  of  his  eyes  was  closed,  and  the 
flesh  around  it  was  blackened  and  swollen.  I  thought  his  face,  or 
rather  that  part  of  it  uninjured,  looked  familiar,  and  I  attempted 
to  recollect  where  I  had  seen  the  fellow.  I  stopped  to  look  at  him, 
and  as  I  paused  the  stranger  did  the  same  to  speak  to  an  ac- 
quaintance. He  spoke  in  Spanish,  and  raised  his .  hat,  and  the 
sight  of  that  thick,  black  hair,  and  the  sound  of  his  voice,  recalled 
to  me  the  face  of  the  Chilian,  whose  entrance  into  the  cabin  win- 
dow of  the  Helen  was  frustrated  by  my  seizing  him  by  the  hair 
of  his  head,  and  by  the  mate's  vigorous  blows  upon  his  unpro- 
tected face.  I  was  glad  that  the  fellow  did  not  know  me,  for  his 
acquaintance  might  have  proved  troublesome.  I  saw  the  Chilian 
go  to  a  table  and  take  the  place  of  a  man  who  was  dealing  monte, 
and  I  rightly  guessed  that  he  was  the  proprietor  of  the  table,  and 
feared  to  trust  his  assistant  when  the  heavy  bets  came  around. 
If  such  had  not  been  the  case,  the  fellow  would  not  have  made 
his  appearance  with  his  face  so  badly  battered. 

44  Come  along,"  cried  Captain  Crosstrees,  who  was  not  aware 
of  the  interest  which  I  had  in  the  man.  u  Don't  block  the 
gangway,  but  move  on." 

I  followed  the  captain,  and  we  wandered  into  some  of  the  other 
saloons,  where  the  sound  of  a  violin  or  a  post  horn  was  sure  to 
attract  a  crowd.  At  length,  while  passing  along  what  is  now 
called  Montgomery  Street,  our  attention  was  attracted  by  a  sign 
on  which  we  read,  4'  Connecticut  Astor  House.  All  nations  wel- 
come. Drinks  twenty-five  cents.  The  best  liquors  in  San  Fran- 
cisco." 

44  Let  us  go  in  and  see  who  keeps  here,"  I  said ;  and  in  we 
went,  and  found  a  dozen  or  twenty  men  smoking  and  drinking, 
and  in  one  corner  a  pine  table  ornamented  with  two  tallow  caudles 
stuck  in  blocks  of  wood,  and  also  quite  a  large  collection  of 


196 

silver  dollars,  and  some  few  gold  pieces.  To  my  intense  sur« 
prise,  behind  the  table,  handling  the  cards  with  as  much  grace  aa 
though  accustomed  to  the  use  of  them  all  his  life,  was  my  friend, 
Joseph  Myers,  the  ex-whaling  captain,  and  sailing-master  of  the 
Helen.  He  did  not  see  us  ;  so  1  stood  watching  him  for  a  few 
moments.  * 

"  Here  is  a  chance,  gents,  to  make  your  fortune,"  cried  the 
jolly  whaleman,  shuffling  the  cards.  "  I'm  not  in  luck  to-night, 
and  am  foolish  to  play,  but  the  passion  is  strong.  Who  will  put 
down  a  dollar,  and  win  two.  I  can't  deal  cards  to-night.  I  don't 
pretend  to.  I  shall  lose.  I  know  I  shall." 

He  shuffled  the  cards  and  threw  down  three,  in  a  careless  way, 
as  though  desirous  of  meeting  with  reverses.  A  rough-looking 
miner  stepped  up  and  laid  down  a  dollar  on  a  card.  No  one 
else  followed  his  example.  Myers  dealt  the  cards,  and  the 
miner  won  and  pocketed  the  silver. 

"  I  told  you  so,  gents,"  cried  the  whaleman.  "  I  can't  play 
to-night.  I  lose  every  time.  Now  then,  who  will  bet?" 

Some  one  put  a  five-dollar  piece  on  a  card,  and  the  miner 
staked  a  dollar  on  a  different  one.  There  were  no  other  bets. 
Myers  dealt  the  cards,  and  the  gold  piece  fell  to  his  lot,  and  the 
miner  won,  as  usual. 

tk  Now  is  your  time  to  make  your  fortunes,  gents,"  shouted 
Myers  ;  but  the  betters  were  rather  shy. 

"  I  go  a  dollar,"  I  said,  laying  a  piece  of  silver  on  a  card. 

The  whaler  looked  up  and  saw  me,  and  the  next  instant  had 
dashed  his  cards  on  the  table,  and,  seizing  the  dollar,  forced  it 
into  my  hands,  as  though  desirous  of  hiding  it  from  his  sight, 
and  thus  removing  temptation. 

"  Just  you  put  that  'ere  dollar  in  your  pocket,"  cried  Myers. 
" 1  don't  want  to  lose  my  money  to  a  shipmate,  and  I  don't  want 
to  win  money  from  one.  Put  it  out  of  sight,  if  you  please." 

I  did  as  he  requested,  and  some  of  the  crowd,  the  rougl>look- 
ing  fellow  among  the  rest,  murmured  that  "  Jim  Myers  had  got 
a  big  heart —  too  big  for  his  own  interest." 

"  I  don't  care  if  I  have,"  retorted  the  whaler ;  "I  don't  take 
money  out  of  a  shipmate's  pocket." 

u  Come  and  take  a  drink  with  me,"  he  said,  in  a  whisper. 
"  This  is  my  bar,  and  I  can  afford  to  stand  a  treat." 

Captain  Crosstrees  and  myself  followed  the  whaler  to  the  bar. 

.-',, 


CAPTAIN    MYERS    AND    HIS    GAMES.  197 

"What  shall  it  be?"  asked  Myers,  setting  two  black  bottles 
before  us.  "  One  contains  whiskey,  the  other  rum.  No  great 
choice,  but  both  are  good ; "  and  then,  sinking  his  voice,  he  mut- 
tered, "  but  I  have  tasted  better." 

I  poured  out  a  thimbleful  of  whiskey  and  tasted  and  it  burned 
like  fire.  I  emptied  the  rest  upon  the  floor,  taking  advantage 
of  Myers  when  his  back  was  turned. 

u  How  does  it  happen  that  you  are  here  ? "  I  asked  of  the 
whaler.  "  Are  you  in  business  on  your  own  account?" 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  "  this  is  my  castle  —  my  home.  I  have  paid 
for  all  that  you  see.  My  business  is  good,  and  I'm  on  the  high 
road  to  fortune,  if  some  cuss  don't  come  along  and  bust  me  bet- 
ting on  monte.  But  I  shall  try  and  prevent  that." 

"  Yet  your  luck  is  not  over  good,"  I  remarked.  "  I  saw  you 
lose  several  dollars  to-night  in  single  bets." 

" 1  don't  recollect  it,"  was  the  answer. 

"  Why,  you  must  recollect  paying  to  that  rough-looking  fellow 
several  dollars  on  bets  which  you  lost." 

He  dropped  his  loud  tones  as  he  whispered :  — 

"That's  my  roper-in." 

"  Your  what  ?  "  we  both  asked. 

"  My  roper-in." 

"And  what  is  that?" 

"  Tine  fellow  I've  hired  to  do  my  fighting  and  betting  when 
business  is  dull.  For  instance,  to  illustrate :  a  crowd  collects 
within  these  spacious  walls,  and  all  look  upon  me  as  I  handle  the 
cards.  The  green  ones  are  suspicious,  and  don't  bet.  They  want 
to  be  encouraged.  My  roper-in  throws  down  a  dollar,  and  wins  — 
another  one,  and  wins.  The  green  ones  stare,  and  think  they 
should  like  to  do  the  same.  They  commence  betting,  and  then  I 
win.  Then  they  bet  more  to  get  back  what  they  have  lost.  But 
it  don't  go  back,  somehow,  and  I  clean  'em  out.  Perhaps  one  or 
two  of  'em  show  fight.  Then  my  roper-in  takes  a  hand,  displays 
two  revolvers  and  a  bowie  knife,  and  swears  that  I'm  the  only 
honest  dealer  of  monte  in  San  Francisco,  and  that  he  knows,  'cos 
he  has  won  lots  of  money  from  me.  The  crowd  .believe  him,  as 
he  is  well  armed,  and  so,  you  see,  I  escape." 

"  But  how  did  you  get  a  start  in  the  world  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Well,  you  gave  me  twenty  dollars,  and  yet  I  had  110  right  to 
expect  anything.  I  come  oil  shore  and  commenced  betting  on 


198  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

monte.  I  couldn't  help  it.  I  didn't  mean  to.  I  won  five  hun- 
dred dollars  the  first  evening,  and  five  hundred  the  next  night.  I 
bought  this  place,  took  possession,  and  opened  on  my  own  ac- 
count. I  have  made  money.  I  sleep  all  day  and  play  all  night. 
This  is  my  home.  It  is  a  palace  compared  to  some  places.  Who 
the  land  belongs  to,  I  don't  know ;  but  I'm  on  it,  and  I  intend  to 
stay  here  until  the  shanty  burns  up.  Now  take  another  drink 
and  excuse  me." 

We  declined  the  drinks.  He  went  to  his  table,  piled  the  gold 
and  silver  on  it,  and  snuffed  the  caudles.  We  remained  for  a 
few  minutes  to  see  the  play.  Myers  threw  down  the  cards,  and 
then  raised  them  in  a  careless  way,  shuffling  them  all  the  time  in 
such  a  scientific  manner  that  I  was  astonished  at  his  dexterity. 

"  Come,"  he  cried  ;  "  all  who  want  to  make  fortunes  will  begin 
to  bet.  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  you  busted  this  bank.  I  ain't 
lucky  to-night,  and  I  hadn't  ought  to  play,  but  I  can't  help  it. 
Now,  then,  here's  three  cards.  Who  bets  on 'em?  Don't  all 
come  forward,  'cos  I  don't  want  to  lose  too  much  at  once." 

Half  a  dozen  returned  miners  crowded  up,  and  threw  down 
their  gold  and  silver.  There  was  a  moment's  breathless  silence, 
and  then  the  card  which  decided  the  bet  was  thrown  down, 
and  I  saw  the  whaler  rake  in  some  twenty  dollars  and  pay  out 
about  six. 

"  Another  bet,  gentlemen  ;  "  and  down  went  the  cards  again, 
and  the  same  thing  was  repeated. 

It  was  eleven  o'clock  when  we  left  our  friend,  yet  all  around 
us  we  could  hear  the  blasts  of  the  horns,  and  the  twanging  of 
guitars  and  banjos.  The  streets  were  still  crowded,  the  people 
surging  back  and  forth,  uncertain  where  to  direct  their  steps. 
Many  were  fresh  from  the  mines,  with  dust  in  their  pockets,  and 
anxious  to  spend  it,  yet  not  knowing  how  to  do  so.  There  was 
nothing  for  them  to  buy  but  rum  and  tobacco  ;  there  was  no 
amusement  for  them  excepting  the  gambling  saloons,  and  hence 
many  men  staked  their  money  who  would  not  have  done  so  under 
other  circumstances. 

u  Where  shall  we  go  now  ?  "  I  asked  the  captain. 

"  Well,  suppose  we  look  into  the  Parker  House  once  more. 
They  must  be  putting  up  the  dust  quite  lively  there  by  this  time." 

As  usual,  there  was  a  crowd  of  cigar  and  .pipe-smoking  bipeds 
in  front  of  the  house,  some  of  them  discussing  the  late  news  from 


A   POSITIVE   MAN.  1 99 

the  North  Fork,  and  others  relating  wonderful  discoveries  on  the 
Yuba,  where  the  gold  was  fine,  but  of  great  richness,  and  found 
in  numerous  "  pockets,"  some  yielding  dust  to  the  amount  of  ten 
thousand  dollars.  Then  there  was  one  man,  one  of  the  positive 
kind,  who  spoke  in  a  loud  and  determined  tone,  which  carried  con- 
viction with  it.  He  laughed  at  the  Yuba  mines  —  he  had  been 
there,  he  had,  and  he  knew  all  about  them.  There  was  not  gold 
et  ough  thereto  pay  more  than  twenty  cents  to  the  pan,  and  who 
w  juld  work  for  that  ? 

"  I've  bin  all  over  this  country,"  the  positive  man  said.  "  I've 
prospected  everywhere.  I've  found  gold  in  every  panful  of  dirt. 
But  some  of  it  won't  pay,  and  others  will.  Up  on  Feather  River, 
forty  miles  above  the  Yuba,  where  the  Injuns  is  wild  and  cross, 
you  can  find  gold  by  the  pailful.  I  know  it.  I've  bin  thar,  I 
have." 

44  But  how  can  a  feller  work,  if  the  Injuns  are  cross?  "  asked  a 
timid  man. 

The  positive  man  cast  a  look  of  contempt  upon  the  questioner. 
"  A  man  what  ain't  reddy  to  fight  the  Injuns  with  one  hand,  and 
dig  gold  with  the  other,  ain't  the  man  to  go  to  the  mines  of 
Feather  River,"  was  the  answer. 

"  S'posing  the  Injuns  should  kill  you  while  you  was  digging 
gold?"  asked  the  timid  man. 

"  Look  ahere,  my  friend,"  said  the  positive  man,  amid  a  breath- 
less silence  ;  "  you  ain't  the  kind  of  feller  to  go  to  the  mines 
whar  Injuns  is  plenty.  You  had  better  stay  at  home,  you  had." 

"  I  want  to  go  to  some  place  where  the  gold  is  plenty,  and  In- 
juns scarce.  That  is  the  reason  I  make  the  inquiries." 

"Then  don't  you  go  to  Feather  River, 'cos 'tain't  safe  for  a 
feller  like  you.  Your  liar  would  be  lost  in  no  time..  I've  seen 
fifty  Injuns  around  my  tent  of  a  night ;  but  they  knowed  I  had  a 
rifle  and  revolver,  and  that  I  was  a  good  shot,  and  they  didn't  dare 
to  draw  on  me.  I'd  sent  'em  to  kingdom  come  in  short  order  if 
they  had." 

"  S'pose,"  said  the  timid  man,  after  a  moment's  thought,  "  that 
a  large  company  of  fellers  should  go  up  there,  all  of  'em  well 
armed  ;  would  there  be  any  danger  then  ?  " 

"  Not  if  they  kept  their  eyes  peeled,  and  looked  out  for  their 
bar.  I'm  going  back  jist  as  soon  as  I  can  get  some  provisions, 
and  then,  if  the  Injuns  want  a  fight,  they  can  have  it  jist  as  well 


200  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

as  not.  I  am  stopping  here,  and  any  one  what  wants  informa- 
tion can  get  it.  In  a  few  days  I  shall  be  off.  I  brought  down 
five  thousand  dollars  worth  of  dust  with  me,  and  every  dime  is 
going  to  be  spent»for  grub,  and  to  freight  it  up.  That's  what  I'm 
going  to  do." 

Half  a  dozen  men  rushed  up  to  the  speaker,  and  engaged  him 
in  conversation,  and  gradually  drew  him  one  side,  as  though  de- 
sirous of  gaining  further  information  respecting  the  wonderful 
mines  of  Feather  River. 

44  That  fellow  is  determined  to  make  a  good  'thing  out  of  his 
yarn,"  remarked  Captain  Crosstrees. 

"How  so?  "I  asked. 

"  Because  he  is  about  to  start  a  store  at  the  mines  which  he 
mentions,  and  he  wants  to  draw  a  large  crowd  of  miners  there, 
so  that  he  can  make  ready  sales  and  large  profits." 

"  But  he  wouldn't  have  represented  the  Indians  as  fierce  and 
cruel  if  such  had  been  the  case,"  I  remarked. 

44  Didn't  you  notice  that  he  represented  the  mines  as  being 
rich?" 

44  Yes." 

44  And  that  large  parties  would  stand  a  better  chance  than  small 
ones  ? " 

44 1  noticed  that  also." 

"Well,  that  is  a  convincing  sign  that  the  fellow  can  make 
more  money  selling  provisions  than  digging  gold.  A  large 
crowd  leave  for  the  region  he  speaks  of.  They  take  only  enough 
provisions  to  last  them  to  the  mines,  and  perhaps  a  few  days 
over.  After  those  are  exhausted  they  must  have  recourse  to  the 
store,  and  pay  such  price  as  the  keeper  pleases ;  sometimes  two 
and  three  hundred  per  cent,  advance  upon  San  Francisco  rates. 
You  can  see  what  a  gold  mine  they  open  when  they  once  start  a 
store  where  trade  is  brisk.  It  is  as  good  as  finding  a  pocket." 

44  But  there  must  be  gold  there,"  I  remarked. 

44  Of  course  there  is,  and  on  the  banks  of  everj-  river  in  the 
state  ;  but  it  cannot  be  picked  up  in  the  manner  that  fellow  de- 
scribes." 

Crosstrees  and  myself  worked  our  way  towards  the  gamblers' 
tables  to  see  what  was  going  on  in  that  direction.  On  all  sides 
of  us  resounded  the  words.  — 

"  Walk  up  and  make  your  game,  gents."    "  Who  bets  on  these 


A   HEAVY   BET.  201 

cards?"  "Red  has  won,  and  black  has  lost."  "  Now  is  youf 
chance  to  bet  -»-  money  is  made  here."  "  I  go  an  ounce  on  the 
king."  "  Shuffle  the  cards  well,"  &c.,  &c. 

At  length,  after  much  labor,  we  were  enabled  to  reach  a  table ; 
and  then,  on  looking  at  the  face  of  the  keeper,  I  was  surprised  to 
find  that  we  were  opposite  the  Chilian  who  was  so  badly  treated 
by  Jack  and  myself  the  night  before,  while  the  rascal  was  at- 
tempting to  enter  the  cabin  window  of  the  Helen.  His  eye  was 
shockingly  swollen,  but  the  one  that  was  uninjured  glared  around 
upon  the  company  most  spitefully,  as  though  seeking  to  find  the 
one  who  had  done  'him  so  much  damage.  I  watched  the  fellow 
and  his  play  for  a  few  minutes,  and  saw  many  a  poor  man  retire 
dead  broke,  cursing  his  luck  and  the  good  fortune  of  the  Chilian. 

"  Do  you  know  anything  of  monte?"  I  asked  of  Crosstrees. 

u  I've  seen  it  played  often  enough  to  tell  when  a  man  deals 
fair." 

"  Then  watch  this  fellow  while  I  make  a  few  bets." 

"  For  God's  sake,  what  are  you  doing?  "  gasped  the  captain. 
"  Don't  touch  a  card  to-night.  .Promise  me  you  won't." 

"  Don't  be  alarmed,"  I  said.  "  I  shan't  lose  much.  I  only 
want  to  try  my  luck.  Just  stand  by  me,  and  see  fair  play." 

The  captain  groanedr  and  swore  that  he  would  leave  me  ;  but 
he  finally  consented  to  stay  and  see  me  through,  though  he  begged 
that  I  would  not  be  so  foolish.  I  cannot  account  for  my  infatua- 
tion. It  was  a  sudden  one,  and  incomprehensible  to  me.  Some- 
thing seemed  to  urge  me  to  stake  money  upon  a  game  of 
chance,  and  I  felt  powerless  to  resist.  I  stepped  to  the  table,  just 
as  the  Chilian  had  thrown  down  three  cards,  and  put  ten  ounces 
on  the  centre  one.  The  dealer  looked  astonished,  for  the  bet  was 
a  heavy  one  for  him.  Those  in  the  vicinity  of  the  table  seemed 
surprised,  and  immediately  placed  their  dollars  on  the  other  two 
cards,  thinking,  very  properly,  that  the  dealer  would  win  the 
large  amount  and  lose  the  small  ones. 

The  Chilian  dealt  the  curds,  and  threw  them  down  upon  the 
table  with  eager  haste,  and  at  last  the  right  card  made  its  appear- 
ance ;  but  I  could  not  tell,  excepting  by  the  black  look  of  the 
Chilian's  face,  whether  I  had  won  or  lost. 

"  Draw  your  money,"  whispered  Crosstrees.  "  Blame  me  if 
you  ain't  won,  and  no  mistake." 

"  You  try  'em  agin,"  cried  the  C 


'202  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  made  no  reply.  I  thought  that  it  was  safer  to  watch  the 
game  for  a  minute  or  two.  The  Chilian  dealt  the  cards  and 
threw  them  down,  and  half  a  dozen  miners  were  eager  to  cover 
them,  to  see  if  they  could  not  emulate  my  luck.  Unfortunately 
they  did  not,  for  the  gambler  swept  the  money  to  his  pile,  and 
then  looked  around  for  more  victims.  His  eyes  fell  upon  me,  and 
he  seemed  to  dare  me  to  make  another  bet. 

"  You  one  lucky  man,"  he  said,  with  a  sneer.  "  S'pose  you 
bet  agin,  hey?" 

"  Down  with  the  cards,"  I  answered,  "  and  I  will  tell  you." 

"  Don't  you  do  it,"  cried  Crosstrees.  "  Take  my  advice,  and 
don't  play  any  more.  Let's  weigh  anchor  with  what  we  have 
got." 

"  I  s'pose  de  senor  is  a  man  and  no  boy,  and  can  play  wid  'em 
own  money,"  sneered  the  Chilian. 

"  Don't  you  sauce  me,  you  black-faced  rascal ! "  cried  the  cap- 
tain, indignantly;  and  the  Chilian  thought  it  best  not  to,  for 
those  who  surrounded  us  were  Americans,  and  of  the  rough-and- 
tumble  sort,  and  it  would  have  been  a  word  and  a  blow  with 
them. 

"  You  bet?  "  asked  the  Chilian  ;  and  he  grinned  as  if  he  thought 
I  would  not. 

I  put  down  twenty  ounces  upon  a  card,  and  awaited  the  deal. 
The  crowd  watched  the  movements  of  the  Chilian's  hands,  and  if 
he  was  disposed  to  cheat,  he  found  it  rather  difficult  to  do  so. 
There  was  a  moment's  suspense,  and  then  the  miners  exclaimed, 
drawing  long  breaths,  — 

"  He's  won  !  " 

At  the  same  instant  Captain  Crosstrees  slapped  me  upon  the 
back,  and  shouted : 

"  You're  a  lucky  dog !  " 

Then  I  knew  that  I  had  won,  although  how  it  was  done  I  could 
not  tell. 

"  Diablg"  muttered  the  Chilian  ;  and  his  hand  trembled  as  he 
counted  out  some  ounces  from  his  pile,  and  handed  them  to  me. 

I  took  the  precaution  to  count  them  after  the  gambler,  and 
found  but  nineteen  ounces. 

"How  is  this?"  Ifisked. 

"  All,  pardon,  senor,  one  mistake  ;  "  and  the  missing  ounce  waa 
handed  over  to  me. 


A   LUCKY    GAMBLER.  203 

"  Blast  him,  he'd  cheat  if  he  could,"  one  miner  said,  and  I  had 
no  doubt  of  it. 

u  Come,  don't  play  any  more  to-night,"  cried  Crosstrees  ;  but,  I 
had  got  a  little  interested  in  the  game,  and  wanted  to  win  some 
more.  I  did  not  feel  satisfied. 

I  resisted  the  importunities  of  Crosstrees,  but  waited  for  a  few 
minutes,  until  others  had  bet  and  lost,  and  then  I  laid  down  ten 
ounces  upon  a  card,  and  once  more  won,  not  only  to  my  own  sur- 
prise, but  to  that  of  the  crowd. 

"  I  say,  you  black  cuss,  Hain't  no  use  to  look  ugly  arter  that," 
cried  one  of  the  crowd ;  and  the  man's  companions  laughed  at  the 
sally. 

"  I  win  yet,"  cried  the  Chilian.  "  Caramba,  a  man  no  do  dat 
tree  times  more." 

He  flung  down  the  cards  with  nervous  haste,  and  once  more  I 
bet  ten  ounces  and  won. 

"  By  thunder  !"  roared  the  crowd,  "  here's  a  miner  what  wins 
every  time  at  monte." 

u  Where  is  he?"  cried  a  voice  that  sounded  familiar,  and  a 
man  left  one  of  the  other  tables  and  came  towards  me. 

"The  d — 1 !  what  are  you  doing  here?  "  cried  Hatch.  "Break- 
ing the  bank  ?  " 

"  I'm  trying  to,"  I  answered  ;  and  we  shook  hands  as  though  we 
had  not  met  before  for  months. 

"  Go  ahead  —  I'll  see  fair  play  ;  "  and  Hatch  placed  himself  near 
the  head  of  the  table  to  observe  the  movements  of  the  dealer,  who 
required  watching  more  than  ever,  now  that  his  gold  was  decreas- 
ing so  rapidly. 


CHAPTER  XIIL 

BREAKING  THE   BANK. ALL   LUCK    ON   MY  SIDE. A   FORTUNATE 

THROW. AN    ATTACK    ON   THE    BEACH. 

SUCH  a  run  of  luck  as  I  experienced  in  my  first  attempt  at 
gambling,  was  so  unusual  that  it  attracted  much  attention  in  the 
saloon  of  the  Parker  House,  and  numerous  well-disposed  persons 
crowded  around  me  to  see  how  the  game  finally  terminated. 


204  A    WHALEMANrS    ADVENTUKE9. 

4t  Go  in,  old  feller,  and  break  the  bank,"  cried  several  of  the 
crowd.  "  Now  you've  got  your  hand  in,  don't  leave  off." 

"  Play  cautiously,"  whispered  Hatch.  "  Don't  make  any  large 
bets  now."  * 

44  Come,  leave  this  place,"  cried  Crosstrees.  "  You  have  won 
enough.  Don't  be  tempted  to  bet  again." 

44  Don't  be  alarmed,"  I  said.  4'  If  I  lose  what  I  have  made,  I 
shan't  feel  it.  I  am  going  to  bet  once  more,  and  see  how  it  comes 
out." 

'4  Promise  me  that  it  shall  be  the  last  time,"  whispered  Cross- 
trees. 

"  For  to-night,  yes." 

44  Does  the  senor  bet  again  ?  "  asked  the  Chilian. 

"Yes." 

"  I  am  ready,  senor  ;  "  and  the  gambler  shuffled  his  cards  and 
looked  impatient. 

44  How  many  ounces  have  you  on  the  table?  "  I  asked.     ( 

The  Chilian  counted  up,  and  by  the  aid  of  silver,  managed 
to  find  enough  to  represent  one  hundred  ounces,  or  sixteen  hun- 
dred dollars. 

"  All  on  one  bet?"  asked  the  Chilian,  laying  down  his  cards, 
which  Ipe  had  shuffled  carefully,  and  turning  to  consult  with  a 
confederate  on  the  expediency  of  such  a  bet. 

44  All  on  one  card,"  I  answered. 

Just  at  that  moment,  while  the  gambler's  back  was  turned, 
Hatch  leaned  over  the  table,  and  changed  the  position  of  the  cards, 
placing  the  upper  one  beneath.  It  was  done  so  quick  that  not 
more  than  half  a  dozen  persons  saw  it,  and  they  did  not  say  a 
word.  The  Chilian  returned  to  the  table,  and  took  up  the  cards, 
but  he  did  not  change  them  or  shuffle  them. 

44  Me  take  de  bet,"  he  said.     44  Put  down  de  money." 

I  counted  out  one  hundred  ounces,  and  laid  them  on  the  table. 

44  Eeady?  "  asked  the  Chilian. 

44  All  ready,"  I  answered. 

He  threw  down  three  cards  rapidly,  but  I  saw  at  once  that  he 
had  made  some  mistake,  or  thought  he  had.  They  were  not  the 
cards  that  he  expected  to  deal,  for  I  could  tell  by  his  uninjured 
eye  the  disappointment  which  he  experienced.  I  placed  an  ounce 
upon  the  middle  card,  and  said,  — 

44  On  this  card  I  stake  one  hundred  ounces.  Let  there  be  no 
mistake.  Do  von  nnrWstaTvl  mo?" 


• 


A   FISH    STORY.  205 

The  Chilian  did  not  speak,  but  he  nodded  his  head  and  drew 
a  long  breath.  fc 

"  Deal  away,"  shouted  the  crowd ;  but  the  noise  confused  the 
Chilian  still  more.  He  threw  down  a  card,  and  then  there  was  a 
death-like  stillness. 

Down  went  the  cards,  one  after  the  other,  and  many  a  neck 
was  stretched  out  to  see  the  result.  There  was  a  minute's  pain- 
ful suspense,  and  then  the  Chilian  dashed  the  cards  on  the  table, 
and  by  one  hearty  shout  I  knew  that  I  was  the  winner. 

"  Rake  it  down,"  cried  Hatch.     "  You've  busted  the  bank." 

"  I  am  one  cheated  man,"  yelled  the  Chilian,  and  with  a  quick 
motion  he  drew  a  revolver  from  his  breast  and  pointed  it  at  me. 

For  one  moment  I  was  in  peril,  but  suddenly  something  whizzed 
past  my  head  and  struck  the  gambler  full  upon  the  face,  and  he 
fell  as  though  knocked  over  by  a  bullet.  The  missile  that  per- 
formed such  good  service  was  a  young  sturgeon,  which  a  fisher- 
man had  seined  that  afternoon,  and  had  sold  on  the  sidewalk. 
He  had  entered  the  saloon,  fish  in  hand,  to  deliver  it  to  a  cus- 
tomer ;  but  the  instant  he  saw  the  revolver  drawn,  he  had  taken 
aim  and  fired.  The  crowd  yelled  with  delight. 

"  Pocket  the  money,"  cried  .Crosstrees  ;  and  the  gallant  captain 
commenced  stowing  it  away  in  his  pockets,  and  Hatch  imitated 
him. 

"•We'll  make  it  all  right  on  board,"  they  said.  "  You  shan't 
lose  a  dollar." 

In  a  few  minutes  the  gold  and  silver  were  secured,  the  crowd 
surging  around  us  to  see  the  operation. 

"  I  say,  mister,  ain't  you  goin'  to  pay  me  for  that  sturgin  ?  " 
asked  the  fisherman. 

u  What  is  the  fish  worth  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  Wai,  you  know  best.  I  think  it  did  good  sarvice  about  the 
time  it  jumped  out  of  my  fingers." 

I  put  two  ounces  in  his  hand,  and  they  were  enough  to  satisfy 
his  most  exalted  ideas  of  liberality. 

"  Treat  the  crowd,"  whispered  Hatch.     "  They  expect  it." 

I  had  no  objections,  although  liquor  was  twenty-five  cents  a 
glass. 

"  Come,  friends,  let's  take  a  drink,"  I  cried.  "  1  can  afford 
to  treat  after  such  a  night's  work." 

It  was  astonishing  how  unanimous  that  crowd  were  on  the 


206  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

subject  of  patronizing  the  bar ;  and  .what  awful  horns  some  of 
them  imbibed,  which  made  the  bar-keeper  look  gs  savage  as  a 
grizzly  bear  with  a  litter  of  hungry  cubs. 

"  Here's  to  the  cove  that  broke  the  bank,"  cried  one  fellow, 
who  meant  well,  but  his  speech  did  not  seem  to  convey  it. 

The  rest  of  the  crowd  repeated  the  toast,  and  shouted  over  it 
as  though  it  was  something  worth  yelling  for. 

"  I  will  go  on  board  with  you  to-night,"  Hatch  said.  "  You 
have  won  too  much  money  to  make  it  safe  for  you  to  go  alone." 

"  I  don't  think  there's  much  danger,"  I  remarked.  "  That  fish 
appeared  to  settle  the  Chilian's  coffee." 

"  As  far  as  appearances  are  concerned,  it  did.  But  don't  you 
put  your  trust  in  such  uncertain  things.  The  black  rascal  don't 
feel  any  too  well  satisfied  with  the  night's  work." 

"  Or  last  night's  either,"  I  remarked. 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  "  my  friend  asked. 

I  told  them  of  the  visit  which  I  had  received,  and  the  manner 
in  which  we  had  treated  the  robbers.  We  were  talking  on  the 
subject  as  we  walked  along  the  beach,  and  had  no  more  thought 
of  danger  than  I  have  at  the  present  moment ;  but  just  before  we 
reached  the  boat  four  men  sprang  at  us  from  behind  a  tent,  and 
were  upon  us  before  we  had  time  to  think  of  defence.  One  of 
the  assailants  struck  at  me  with  something.  I  suppose  that  it 
was  a  knife,  but  it  was  too  dark  to  see  it.  At  any  rate,  the  fel- 
low miscalculated  the  distance  between  us,  and  the  force  of  the 
blow  which  he  aimed  at  me  was  the  means  of  causing  him  to  lose 
his  footing  and  balance,  and  he  fell  forward,  his  head  striking  my 
chest  and  knocking  me  down  upon  the  sand,  bottles,  and  old 
boots.  As  I  fell  my  hand  came  in  contact  with  a  bottle,  *he 
bottom  of  which  was  broken  off,  leaving  the  end  jagged.  I 
caught  sight  of  the  face  of  my  assailant,  and  saw  that  I  had  to 
contend  with  the  Chilian  whose  money  I  had  won.  I  felt  the 
man's  hand  grasp  my  throat  as  though  the  other  was  to  be  used 
in  an  entirely  different  manner ;  so  there  was  no  time  to  lose  if  I 
was  desirous  of  saving  my  life.  I  made  a  sudden  movement,  and 
the  body  of  the  Chilian  was  thrown  from  my  breast,  but  his -hand 
did  not  release  my  throat,  and  while  struggling,  my  fingers  came 
in  contact  with  th«  bottle  above  mentioned.  I  seized  the  neck  of 
it,  and  with  all  the  force  of  my  right  arm  I  struck  the  robber  full 
upon  his  face.  Blood  followed  the  blow.  I  fejt  it  trickling  upon 


AN  AFFRAY  ON  THE  BEACH.  207 

my  breast  and  face,  and  it  seemed  to  burn  my  flesh,  so  hot  was  it. 
I  once  more  raised  the  bottle,  and  struck  with  all  my  might  full 
upon  the  blackened  eye  of  the  Chilian,  and  I  could  see  the  ragged 
glass  cut  deep  gashes  upon  his  face.  The  last  blow  was  too  much 
for  his  endurance.  His  head  reeled  and  fell  over  one  side,  and 
then  the  body  followed.  The  grasp  upon  my  throat  was  relaxed, 
and  I  was  safe  from  his  knife,  so  far.  I  got  upon  my  feet  as 
soon  as  possible,  and  then  saw  that  my  friends  were  busily  en- 
gaged with  the  other  Chilians ;  but  why  they  did  not  use  their 
revolvers  was  a  question.  Instead  of  doing  so,  they  were  keep- 
ing the  rascals  at  bay  with  them,  and  the  black  scamps  were 
circling  around  them,  as  though  looking  for  a  weak  place  in 
which  to  strike. 

"  Kill  the  rascals,"  I  shouted,  rushing  forward ;  and  with  the 
blow  of  my  friendly  bottle  I  brought  one  man  to  his  knees,  and  a 
second  blow  stretched  him  at  full  length,  bleeding  like  a  lanced 
whale.  "  Kill  the  rascals,"  I  repeated,  and  made  a  dash  at 
another  one  ;  but  the  fellow  dodged  me,  and  in  so  doing  got  with- 
in reach  of  Hatch's  foot.  Up  went  the  latter,  and  down  went  the 
Chilian. 

"  Heave  ahead,"  shouted  the  captain.  "  I'll  stave  your  top 
lights  for  you." 

The  gallant  captain  made  a  lurch  at  the  man,  but  the  blow  fell 
short,  and  then  the  Chilian  turned  and  ran. 

"  Clap  on  all  sail  in  chase,"  roared  Crosstrees,  and  he  started 
to  follow  the  fellow ;  but  he  might  as  well  have  thought  of  pursu- 
ing a  greyhound. 

The  captain  came  back,  after  a  run  of  a  few  seconds,  breathless 
and  excited. 

44  He  gave  me  the  slip,"  he  said,  "  while  1  was  crowding  sail. 
He  is  clipper-built,  and  I'm  on  the  old  style,  bluff  and  square.  I 
can't  run  with  such  a  feller." 

44  Why  didn't  you  shoot  him?"  I  demanded.  "Both  of  you 
have  revolvers,  and  yet  you  did  not  use  them." 

44  Bah  !  "  cried  the  captain,  quite  composedly  ;  "  they  couldn't 
hurt  us.  We  were  not  afraid  of  them." 

44  Yes,  but  they  might  have  hurt  me.  Did  you  not  see  that  I 
was  rolling  in  the  sand  with  that  black  rascal  on  top?  And  he 
had  a  knife  in  his  hand,  too." 

44  O,  we  knew  you  was  equal  to  him,  so  let  you  fight  it  out," 
was  the  consoling  reply. 


208 

44  To  tell  you  the  truth,"  said  Hatch,  "  we  didn't  fire  because 
we  knew  that  the  noise  would  arouse  the  whole  of  "  Happy  Val- 
ley," and  then  we  should  have  been  surrounded  by  a  crowd  of 
wild  Mexicans  and  Chilians." 

This  explanation  was  more  satisfactory,  and  I  began  to  think 
there  might  be  some  reason  in  it.  But  the  Chilian,  whose  face 
I  had  cut  open,  now  commenced  stirring  and  groaning,  as  though 
he  found  his  position  far  from  being  pleasant. 

44  You  feel  bad  —  do  you  ?  "  I  asked. 

44  Yes  ;  me  hurted  much  in  me  head.     Me  no  do  so  agin." 

44  You  supposed  you  were  likely  to  get  back  your  money,  but 
you  see  you  have  failed.  I  have  it  safe,  and  I  intend  to  keep  it." 

44  Come,  let  us  go  on  board,  unless  you  mean  to  drown  or  hang 
this  fellow,"  said  Crosstrees. 

44  Pardon,  senor,"  groaned  the  injured  man.  4t  Me  no  do  so 
more." 

As  we  were  not  disposed  to  be  revengeful,  we  left  the  fellow, 
and  found  our  boat.  But  just  as  we  commenced  launching  it,  —  for 
it  was  high  on  the  beach,  —  we  heard  a  shrill  whistle  ;  and  in  a  few 
seconds  it  was  repeated,  and  then  answered  from  half  a  dozen 
tents  on  shore. 

"  That  means  something,"  cried  Hatch.  44  Into  the  water  with 
the  boat,  for  I've  had  fighting  enough  for  one  night." 

The  boat  touched  the  water,  and  we  jumped  in.  As  we  did  so, 
a  dozen  men  came  towards  us,  some  of  them  running  as  though 
to  prevent  our  moving.  We  pushed  the  boat  through  the  mud, 
and  were  a  few  fathoms  from  the  beach  before  the  men  got  op- 
posite to  us. 

"  Say,  you,"  cried  one  ;  44  stop  a  little.  We  want  to  speak  you. 
We  no  hurt  you." 

We  paid  no  attention  to  the  cries,  but  pushed  from  the  shore 
as  fast  as  possible.  Four  or  five  rushed  into  the  water  as  though 
to  overtake  us,  but  at  that  instant  we  were  enabled  to  work  our 
oars  in  the  rowlocks  without  touching  bottom.  We  gave  one 
or  two  vigorous  strokes,  and  then  waited  to  see  what  was  wanted. 
The  Chilians  waded  in  until  the  water  was  up  to  their  waists. 

44  Say,"  they  cried  ;  u  s'pose  you  come  on  shore?  We  no  hurt 
you." 

44  See  you  blasted  first,  and  then  we  won't,"  replied  Hatch,  who 
was  seated  in  the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat. 


ANOTHER   BATTLE.  209 

This  reply  seemed  to  have  exasperated  the  ruffians,  and  one 
of  them  drew  a  pistol  and  suddenly  fired.  The  ball  whizzed  so 
near  our  heads  that  we  involuntarily  ducked  them,  as  though  that 
movement  would  have  saved  them.  We  dipped  our  oars  into  the 
water  after  this  salute,  but  before  we  had  taken  more  than  one 
stroke,  Hatch  drew  his  revolver,  and,  aiming  at  the  men  in  the 
water,  fired.  One  of  the  Chilians  gave  a  sudden  jump  and  a 
yell,  and  fell  full  length  into  the  mud  ;  while  the  rest,  not  stopping 
to  render  assistance  to  the  wounded  man,  rushed  for  the  shore 
and  Disappeared  behind  the  tents.  In  sixty  seconds'  time  there 
were  none  in  sight,  with  the  exception  of  the  fellow  who  was 
floundering  in  the  mud,  and  yelling  when  he  could  get  his  head 
above  it. 

"  Let  us  return  and  assist  him,"  I  cried. 

"  Yes,  and  be  shot  for  our  pains,"  said  my  companions.  "  We 
don't  believe  in  such  doctrine.  We  are.Nnot  angels  of  mercy, 
although  you  may  think  we  are." 

We  dipped  our  oars  into  the  water  and  shot  ahead,  and  as  we 
left  the  shore  we  could  see  the  Chilians  steal  from  behin-d  the 
tents,  and  wade  into  the  mud,  and  assist  the  wounded  man  to 
terra  fir  ma. 

"  A  narrow  escape  for  my  old  head,"  remarked  Crosstrees,  as 
we  ueared  the  Helen. 

"  Yes,  but  I  ran  the  greatest  risk,"  cried  Hatch,  who  wanted 
the  most  praise  for.  what  he  had  done. 

We  did  not  contradict  him,  for  he  would  have  insisted  that  he 
was  right  in  spite  of  facts. 

It  was  near  three  o'clock  when  we  stepped  on  the  deck  of  my 
vessel ;  yet  I  found  the  mate  and  Jake  on  the  alert,  and  waiting 
to  receive  me. 

"  All  right  on  board?  "  I  asked. 

"•  Yes,  sir ;  but  a  boat-load  of  them  ferriners  has  been  round 
us  for  an  hour  or  more,  and  seemed  to  like  the  looks  of  us ;  but 
I  jist  hailed  'em,  and  they  put  for  the  shore.  I  jist  heard  two 
shots,  and  didn't  know  but  the  cusses  might  have  tried  their  luck 
somewhere  else." 

"  I's  got  some  hot  coffee  in  de  cabin  for  de  company,"  said 
Jake.  "  I  s'posed  you  would  need  it." 

We  all  adjourned  to  the  cabin  on  this  announcement,  and  on  the 
transom  we  found  Lilly  fast  asleep.  She  looked  very  handsome 
14 


210 

as  she  lay  there,  with  oue  arm  under  her  head,  and  her  thick  hair 
brushed  from  her  brow.  I  laid  my  hand  upon  her  arm,  and  the 
poor  thing  sprang  up  at  the  touch.  As  soon  as  she  saw  me,  she 
threw  her  arms  around  my  neck,  and  commenced  crying ;  and 
then,  when  she  saw  blood  upon  my  bosom,  she  nearly  fainted  as 
she  exclaimed,  — 

"  Ah,  darling,  you  are  wounded  —  you  bleed  !  " 

u  O,  what  a  cussed  fool  I've  been  all  along !  "  cried  Hatch. 
*'  Hereafter  I'll  confess  that  I  don't  know  a  man  from  a  woman. 
I  always  thought  I  did  until  to-night." 

Lilly's  fears  for  my  safety  had  betrayed  her  sex,  and  Hatch  and 
Crosstrees  for  the  first  time  knew  that  the  bright-looking  being, 
whom  they  had  praised  for  gentleness  and  good  looks,  was  a 
kanaka  girl. 

"  Devilish  lucky  fellow,"  muttere*d  Crosstrees.  "  He  wins  in 
love  and  he  wins  in  play.  He  was  born  under  a  lucky  star." 

u  I  should  think  so,"  remarked  Hatch,  dryly ;  and  then  he 
poured  upon  the  table  a  stream  of  gold,  which  he  had  assisted  me 
to  gather  from  the  bank  in  the  Parker  House  saloon.  The  cap- 
tain also  emptied  his  pockets. 

We  had  a  nice  dish  of  coffee,  and  a  pleasant  repast.  We  talked 
of  the  adventures  of  the  night,  and  Hatch  explained  how  it  hap- 
pened that  he  was  present  in  the  saloon  while  I  was  gambling. 

"  I  just  dropped  in,"  he  said,  "  because,  you  see,  there  is  no 
society  for  me  in  San  Francisco  -—  uo'ladies,  no  home,  no  com- 
fort ;  and  the  only  excitement  is  in  speculating,  or  in  risking  a 
dollar  or  two  on  the  wheel  of  fortune.  I  don't  play  for  large 
stakes,  you  know  ;  but  I  do  win  and  lose  a  few  small  ones." 

u  Be  careful  and  not  let  the  passion  overmaster  you,"  I  re- 
marked. u  Better  quit  the  dangerous  evil  while  there  is  time.': 

u  You  are  a  good  one  to  preach,"  he  cried,  with  a  laugh  ;  and 
as  I  thought  that  my  words  were  not  likely  to  effect  much,  I  held 
my  peace. 

At  length  my  guests  left  me  ;  one  for  the  shore  to  superintend 
the  fitting  of  his  store,  and  the  other  to  look  after  his  ship. 
Then  I  commenced  preparations  to  leave  port,  for  we  had  taken 
water  on  board  the  day  before.  I  told  the  mate  to  keep  a  sharp 
watch  while  I  went  on  shore  to  close  up  my  business,  and  get 
ready  to  sail  the  next  morning.  I  did  not  return  to  the  schooner 
Until  late  in  the  afternoon,  for  I  found  a  number  of  men  who 


TAKING    OUR    DEPARTURE.  211 

wanted  to  charter  the  Helen  to  bring  a  cargo  of  fruit  and  fresh 
provisions  from  Honolulu,  and  at  one  time  I  thought  we  should 
agree  about  the  price  ;  but  a  few  hundred  dollars  divided  us,  and 
the  subject  was  dropped.  Then  I  went  to  Hatch's  store,  for  he 
had  a  desk  or  two,  and  wrote  letters  to  my  parents,  telling  them 
how  I  had  succeeded,  and  relating  all  the  incidents  that  had  be- 
fallen me  since  I  had  entered  into  partnership  with  Mr.  Chering- 
ton,  I  dined  with  Hatch  at  a  late  hour,  and  took  charge  of  the 
letters  which  he  desired  to  send  to  Honolulu  ;  and  then  we  shook 
hands  and  parted,  not  to  meet  again  for  many  weeks. 

As  soon  as  I  reached  the  vessel  I  hurried  to  the  cabin,  for  I 
felt  a  little  remorse  at  the  manner  in  which  I  had  treated  Lilly 
during  the  past  few  days.  But  the  poor  girl  seemed  to  have 
forgotten  my  neglect,  for  she  came  towards  me  as  though  de- 
lighted at  my  return.  The  next  morning  we  got  under  way,  and 
steered  for  Honolulu. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

RETURN   TO    HONOLULU. THE    GREETING   BETWEEN   FATHER   AND 

DAUGHTER. MY  PARTNER  AND    HIS    DAUGHTER. COMMENDA- 
TION  FOR   BUSINESS. 

ONE  morning,  after  a  pleasant  voyage,  w$  sighted  the  islands, 
and  I  shaped  my  course  for  Honolulu,  having  made  a  good  run 
for  a  navigator  with  no  more  experience  than  myself.  The  breeze 
was  light,  but  fair ;  and  as  we  ran  along  the  coast,  I  thought, 
with  a  beating  heart,  of  the  moment  when  I  should  meet  Julia 
and  clasp  her  to  my  heart.  For  two  months  I  had  been  absent 
from  her  side.  For  two  months  I  had  thought  of  her  day  and 
night ;  and  as  I  paced  the  quarter-deck,  and  whistled  for  the 
wind,  it  seemed  as  though  I  could  not  control  my  impatience,  so 
eager  was  I  to  land. 

In  sailing  along  the  coast  we  saw  the  village  of  Kammaira,  not 
more  than  two  miles  distant ;  and  the  sight  of  the  town  was 
greeted  with  a  shout  of  joy  from  the  kanakas  on  board.  Even 
Lilly  gazed  at  the  place  with  a  pleased  expression  on  her  face. 

"Is   not  that  your  father's   canoe,  Lilly?  "   I  asked,  looking 


212  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

through   the  glass  at  a  large  boat  which   was  at  anchor  half  a 
mile  or  so  from  us. 

"  It  is,  it  is  !  "  she  cried,  clapping  her  hands  ;  u  and  I  can  see 
the  chief  fishing.  Do  go  near  him  ;  and  perhaps  it  is  best  that  I 
should  leave  you  here." 

I  caught  at  the  idea.     "  Do  you  desire  to  go  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  You  know  that  I  do  not ;  but  is  it  not  for  the  best?  " 

"  It  is." 

"  And  if  I  go,"  —  and  here  her  voice  trembled,  —  "will  you 
promise  to  come  and  see  me  sometimes?" 

"  I  will." 

I  altered  the  course  of  the  vessel,  and  headed  for  the  chief  *8r 
canoe.  Lilly  commenced  weeping  at  the  idea  of  separating. 

"  Is  she  going  ashore,  cap'n  ?  "  asked  Jack. 

u  Yes  ;  she  thinks  it  for  the  best." 

"  Then  I'd  like  to  send  a  few  things  to  my  wife  —  some  bread 
and  tobacco,  if  you  have  no  objection." 

I  had  none.  Jake  preferred  the  same  request,  and  I  granted 
it.  They  commenced  making  up  small  packages  for  their  wives, 
while  Lilly  and  I  stood  silent  upon  the  quarter-deck.  We  neared 
the  canoe  and  saw  the  old  chief  sitting  in  the  stern-sheets,  fishing 
as  patiently  as  when  I  used  to  go  out  with  him  and  make  love  to 
his  daughter.  We  luffed  up  and  hailed  him,  but  he  did  not  know 
me. 

"  Come  on  board,"  I  said  ;  "  I  want  to  buy  some  fish.  Give 
you  tobacco  for  them." 

"Miti"  he  said,  as  he  came  on  board,  not  recognizing  me  at  first. 

u  Speak  English  —  you  can  do  so,"  I  answered. 

The  old  man  looked  at  me  for  a  moment,  and  then  sprang  to- 
wards me,  and  threw  his  arms  around  my  neck. 

a  O,  my  son,"  he  said,  "  how  glad  I  am  to  see  you  !  I  never 
expected  this." 

"  Father,"  said  a  soft  voice  ;  and  Lilly  laid  her  hand  upon  her 
father's  shoulder. 

The  chief  started  back  and  looked  surprised.  Lilly  threw  her 
arms  around  his  neck,  and  pressed  her  head  against  his  bosom. 
The  old  chief  looked  astonished,  staggered  back,  and  it  w^as  some 
moments  before  he  could  speak. 

"O,  my  child,"  he  said,  "  I  thought  that  you  were  lost  to  me 
forever." 

She  only  sobbed  — she  could  not  answer  him. 


HONOLULU    REGAINED.  213 

"Why  did  you  leave  me,  child?  I  am  old,  and  you  were  my 
only  joy." 

"  She  wishes  to  go  on  shore  with  you."  I  said.  "  Take  her  and 
treat  her  kindly." 

The  old  chief  nodded  and  smiled.  He  shook  my  hand.  We 
were  still  warm  friends.  He  was  too  delighted  to  see  me  and  his 
daughter  to  say  much,  or  to  upbraid  me  for  what  she  had  done. 
I  whispered  to  Will,  and  the  second  mate  got  on  deck  a  barrel  of 
bread,  some  tobacco,  a  lot  of  pipes,  twine,  sail-cloth,  and  many 
articles  which  I  knew  the  chief  would  like.  But  when  I  ordered 
them  put  into  his  canoe,  his  admiration  was  excessive.  He  gave 
us  half  a  dozen  fish  and  some  oranges  which  he  had  brought  from 
the  shore,  and  then  readily  consented  to  take  charge  of  any  arti- 
cles that  the  mate  and  Jake  were  disposed  to  send  to  their  wives, 
whom  he  declared  to  be  in  perfect  health,  and  anxious  for  their 
husband's  return. 

I  took  leave  of  Lilly  in  the  cabin,  where  no  one  could  witness 
the  girl's  agitation  or  demonstration  of  affection. 

u  We  part,"  she  said,  u  but  not  forever.  I  have  your  prom- 
ise that  we  shall  meet  again." 

"  Yes,  and  before  many  weeks.  Before  I  leave  for  California, 
on  my  next  trip,  I  will  see  you." 

I  kissed  her ;  and,  pulling  her  cap  over  her  eyes,  she  went  on 
deck,  and  entered  her  father's  canoe. 

"  Is  there  anything  you  want,  Lilly?"  I  asked. 

A  sob  was  the  only  answer.  She  did  not  look  up.  The  old 
chief  smiled  an  adieu,  and  waved  his  hand. 

"  Ouri  miti"  he  said,  and  his  canoe  dropped  astern. 

As  we  passed  the  reef,  Jake  sighed  and  muttered,  — 

"  0,  golly,  didn't  I  snake  'em  in  dare?  Takes  dis  child  to  fish. 
I  must  find  a  day,  some  time,  and  go  back  dare." 

At  length  the  long-wished-for  Honolulu  was  in  sight ;  and  up 
went  my  private  signal,  manufactured  by  Miss  Cheriugtou  ex- 
pressly for  my  use,  but  which  had  not  been  hoisted  since  the  day 
that  Lilly  was  discovered  on  board.  By  the  aid  of  a  glass 
I  could  distinguish  the  barge  that  belonged  to  the  firm  ;  and  then 
I  took  a  look  towards  the  window,  where  I  had  seen  a  white 
handkerchief  waved  on  the  morning  that  I  sailed.  Ah,  how  my 
heart  fluttered  .as  I  recognized  the  same  signal!  and  I  almost 
fancied  that  I  could  make  out  the  handsome  face  of  Julia,  with 


214  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

her  black  eyes  and  white  teeth.  I  returned  the  salute,  and  was 
then  compelled  to  pay  some  attention  to  the  schooner,  for  we 
were  nearing  the  inner  harbor  rapidly.  We  lowered  the  flying 
jib  and  foresail,  and  then  luffed  up  a  little,  and  hauled  aft  the 
main  and  jib  sheets,  and  pointed  the  bluff  bow  of  the  Helen  for 
the  inner  harbor,  where  several  whaleships  were  lying,  the  crew 
of  which  were  all  on  deck,  and  watching  our  approach  with  much 
interest. 

"  Here  comes  Mr.  Cherington,  sir,"  shouted  Will,  almost  wild 
with  joy  at  the  thought  of  returning  to  port. 

The  next  instant  my  partner  was  alongside,  and  on  deck,  his 
face  beaming  with  pleasure,  and  his  dark  eyes  sparkling  with 
excitement. 

"  Charles,  my  dear  boy,"  he  said,  coming  aft  with  open  arms, 
"  welcome,  welcome  home." 

For  a  moment  we  held  each  other's  hands,  unable  to  speak. 

"  Julia,"  I  managed  to  say,  k'  is  she  well?  " 

"  Ah,  well  and  happy  at  your  safe  return.  She  has  watched 
for  you  every  day  for  a  week  past ;  and  every  day,  for  the  past 
two  weeks,  she  has  asked  me  when  you  might  be  expected.  See 
—  there  she  is  at  the  window  of  your  room,  waving  her  handker- 
chief, and  crying  at  the  same  time,  I  ha^e  no  doubt.  But,  tell 
me,  have  you  been  well  ?  " 

"  Quite  well.    But  you  do  not  ask  what  success  I  have  met  with." 

"  There  is  time  enough  for  that,  my  boy.  I  am  satisfied  at 
your  safe  return,  even  if  the  speculation  has  not  paid.  You  must 
go  on  no  more  such  expeditions.  I  am  too  lonely  without  you  ; 
and  there  is  somebody  else  who  will  complain  if  you  leave  Hono- 
lulu again." 

How  I  wished  that  I  really  deserved  such  love  and  affection, 
and  how  my  conscience  smote  me  to  think  that  I  was  not  worthy 
of  it !  But  as  Mr.  Cherington  was  not  a  confessor,  I  did  not 
think  that  it  was  worth  while  for  me  to  recount  my  misdeeds. 

We  dropped  anchor  in  nine  feet  of  water,  and  not  more  than  a 
stone's  throw  from  the  shore. 

Mr.  Cherington  urged  me  to  go  home,  assuring  me  that  there 
was  some  one  there  who  was  most  anxious  to  see  me. 

u  Had  we  not  better  first  remove  the  treasure  which  we  have 
on  board  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  guess  we  can  take  all  you  brought,"  he  said.  "  I  am  quite 
strong  in  my  hands,  and  can  carry  a  heavy  load." 


MR.    CHERINGTON   SURPRISED.  215 

"  How  much  gold  and  silver  do  you  suppose  I  have  on  board  ?  " 
I  asked. 

"  Well,  perhaps  ten  thousand  dollars'  worth,"  he  answered, 
after  a  moment's  reflection.  "  I  make  such  a  guess  on  the  ground 
that  you  have  been  successful ;  and  I  suppose  that  youHhave,  for  I 
see  that  the  schooner  is  flying  light." 

"  You  must  guess  again." 

"  More,  or  less  ?  " 

"  A  trifle  more." 

"  My  dear  boy,"  cried  the  old  gentleman,  "is  it  possible  that 
you  have  done  so  well  with  the  cargo?" 

"What  should  you  say  if  I  stated  that  the  cargo  sold  for  near 
eighty  thousand  dollars  ?  " 

"  That  I  was  dreaming,  or  that  you  were  seeking  to  hoax  me." 

"  You  are  not  dreaming,  and  I  am  serious.  I  found  a  ready 
market  for  every  article  that  I  carried  to  California,  and  at  prices 
that  paid  wonderfully  well." 

"  And  there  were  losses?  " 

"I  did  not  lose  a  cent.  Everything  was  paid  for  on  delivery, 
in  gold  or  gold  dust." 

"  And  you  have  seventy  thousand  dollars  on  board  the  schooner 
at  the  present  time  ?  " 

"  Yes ;  in  addition,  ten  thousand  dollars  which  I  sent  to  my 
father  for  money  he  advanced  me  to  enter  into  business  arrange- 
ments with  you.  Or,  rather,  he  did  not  furnish  the  money,  but 
gave  me  credit  for  goods  to  that  amount." 

"  And  you  mean  to  say  that  that  debt  is  paid?"  asked  Mr. 
Cherington,  still  wondering. 

"  I  think  it  is  ;  and  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  I  had  a  credit 
o(  a  few  thousand  dollars  with  my  father  at  the  present  time." 

"  I  am  lost  in  wonder  and  astonishment.  Why,  my  dear  boy, 
you  have  excelled  me  in  business  arrangements." 

"  Ah,  but  you  forget  that  you  planned  the  whole  thing,  and 
^hat  I  had  only  to  follow  your  ideas.  Think  of  that  before  you 
praise  me  too  much." 

"  No  matter,  my  boy ;  I  will  leave  another  to  tell  you  how 
well  pleased  we  are  with  your  conduct.  You  have  nothing  lo  re- 
proach yourself  with  now." 

Ah,  had  I  not?  How  little  he  knew  my  heart,  and  the  heavy 
load  which  weighed  it  down  !  I  thought  how  his  daughter  would 


21 G  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

grieve  if  she  was  aware  that  Lilly  had  made  the  passage  with  me 
to  California,  and  she  might  hear  of  it  any  day.  I  now  began  to 
realize  how  peculiar  was  my  situation,  and  Irow  liable  I  was  to 
exposure.  My  partner  noticed  my  embarrassment ;  but  before  he 
could  speak  to  encourage  me,  thinking  that  it  was  on  account  of 
Julia,  I  had  rallied,  and  seemed  as  gay  as  ever.  He  said,  — 

"  If  you  have  so  much  treasure  on  board,  it  must  be  removed 
on  shore  at  once,  and  placed  in  the  safe.  I  will  speak  to  the  boat- 
men to  be  ready  to  take  it." 

The  mate  first  passed  up  a  bag  containing  two  thousand  dollars, 
in    silver   dollars.     It  was   a  good   lift-  for   him,  and   made   him  ! 
groan.     Then  a  bag  containing  five   hundred   dollars   in   halves 
was  handed  up.     Then  a  bag  of  gold  dust,  and  a  sack  of  gold  \ 
coins,  until  at  last  a  keg  was  emptied.     Mr.  Cherington  looked 
on  in  silent  wonder. 

"  Charles,"  he  said,  at  length,  u  there  must  be  more  than 
what  you  mentioned  in  these  lots." 

I  could  not  help  smiling. 

u  How  many  thousand  dollars  here  in  all?"  my  partner  asked, 
in  a  serious  tone. 

"  My  dear  sir,"  I  answered,  "  I  found  a  market  and  a  price 
for  every  article  that  I  had  on  board,  and  I  could  have  sold  the 
schooner,  if  I  had  wanted  to,  at  a  large  advance  on  cost.  We 
made  over  a  thousand  per  cent,  upon  our  venture.  I  though.t 
that  I  would  prepare  for  you  an  agreeable  surprise,  and  I  believe 
that  I  have  astonished  you  somewhat." 

"  You  have  overpowered  me,  my  boy.  I  can't  begin  to  ex- 
press my  gratitude.  And  to  think  that  two  more  such  voyages 
will  make  us  independent  —  the  richest  men  on  the  island.  Only 
two  more  short  trips,  and  then  you  and  Julia  can  marry  and  settle 
down  to  perfect  happiness." 

This  was  a  crusher  to  the  hopes  which  I  had  cherished,  that 
Mr.  Cherington  would  consent  to  an  immediate  marriage  between 
Julia  and  myself.  I  dropped  the  bag  of  gold  which  I  held,  and 
my  face  expressed  so  much  disappointment  that  even  Mr.  Chering- 
ton, absorbed  as  he  was  in  his  schemes  for  wealth,  could  not  fail 
to  notice  it. 

"  Come,  come,  Charles  ;  don't  manifest  signs  of  disappointment. 
Consider  that  you  are  barely  twenty  years  of  age,  and  that  Julia 
is  only  seventeen.  See  what  we  have  made  in  two  months'  time. 


SCHEMES    FOR  WEALTH.  217 

You  arc  now  a  rich  man,  free  from  debt  and  independent.  Your 
father  must  be  proud  of  you  —  I  am  proud  of  you  —  Julia  will  be 
proud  of  you  ;  but  let  me  beg  of  you  not  to  speak  to  Julia,  of 
marriage  until  you  are  richer  than  you  are  now  by  a  hundred 
thousand  dollars.  Come,  say  that  you  won't." 

"  Let  us  go,"  I  said.  "  I  cannot  answer  now.  We  will  talk 
of  this  matter  some  other  time." 

"  That  is  right  —  that  is  right,  my  boy.  A  little  reflection  will 
convince  you  of  the  truth  of  my  statements.  Don't  be  in  such 
haste  to  marry.  Money  first,  and  happiness  afterwards." 

"  But  suppose,  while  I  am  thus  working  for  wealth,  that  Julia 
should  meet  with  one  she  liked  better  than  myself.  Of  what  use 
would  my  wealth  be?" 

"  Ah,  but  there  is  no  danger  of  that.  She  is  yours,  my  boy ; 
her  heart  entirely  belongs  to  you,  and  I  think  that  only  some  fool- 
ish act  on  your  part  could  take  it  from  you.  Let  us  get  riches 
first,  and  then  have  a  glorious  wedding.  The  more  money,  the 
more  respect  and  importance." 

Alas  !  the  wealth  which  I  had  brought  from  California  did 
not  satisfy  the  kind-hearted  man,  whom  I  had  always  looked 
up  to  with  so  much  respect. 

We  deposited  the  money  in  the  boat,  and,  after  giving  Mr. 
Topmall  a  few  directions,  pulled  for  the  shore,  my  partner  talk- 
ing quite  rapidly,  as  though  to  prevent  me  from  thinking  of 
the  great  happiness  which  I  saw  receding  every  moment  from  my 
grasp. 

44  Only  think,"  Mr.  Cherington  said,  \fhile  we  were  on  our 
way  to  the  shore,  "  we  invested  some  eight  thousand  dollars  in, 
vessel  and  provisions.  We  have  the  vessel,  which  is  worth  two 
thousand  dollars  more  than  I  paid  for  her,  and  between  sixty  and 
seventy  thousand  dollars  in  cash,  not  counting  the  ten  thousand 
dollars  which  you  sent  to  your  father.  What  a  fortunate  specula- 
tion —  only  think  of  the  amount  of  money  which  we  have  made 
in  a  little  over  two  months'  time.  This  will  please  Julia." 

"  Is  she  so  ambitious  for  wealth?  "  I  asked. 

"  All  women  like  power,  and  money  is  power,  my  boy.  They 
say  they  prefer  a  cottage  and  all  such  nonsense,  but  they  mean  a 
cottage  with  rich  carpets  and  handsome  furniture,  and  half  a 
dozen  servants.  Such  is  their  idea  of  love  in  a  cottage.  Wait 
until  you  are  as  old  as  I  am,  and  you  will  see  that  I  am  right. 
With  money  goes  love,  all  the  world  over." 


218  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

44  No,  no,  I  do  not  believe  that,  for  when  I  landed  at  Kam« 
maira,  without  a  dollar  in  ray  pocket,  I  —  " 

44vTut,  tut!  don't  mention  the  half  savage  natives  of  this  island, 
in  connection  with  people  of  our  own  class.  The  native  girls 
don't  know  any  better  than  to  love  a  stranger  without  wealth  or 
station." 

44  But  I  care  more  for  Julia  than  I  do  for  gold,"  I  said,  with 
commendable  frankness. 

44  That  is  natural.  I  am  glad  that  you  do.  It  speaks  well  for 
'your  heart.  But  just  consider  for  a  moment.  After  you  were 
married,  you  would  think  that  wealth  was  but  a  natural  lever  to 
show  your  affections  ;  consequently  you  would  neglect  your  family 
to  obtain  it.  No,  no  ;  gold  first,  and  marriage  afterwards.  You 
will  agree  with  me  after  a  while." 

The  idea  of  a  young  and  ardent  lover  agreeing  with  an  old  man 
on  such  a  point  did  not  seem  quite  possible. 

We  sent  our  boatmen  to  the  store  with  the  gold  which  we  had 
brought  along,  and  then  followed  them,  some  natives  bringing  up 
the  rear,  and  shouting  and  laughing  in  great  glee.  It  was  like  a 
holiday  to  them.  Every  few  seconds  one  would  run  up  to  me  and 
shout,  — 

"  Say,  cap'n,  take  me  next  time.  Me  want  to  go  to  California 
berry  much." 

We  passed  on  to  the  office,  where  the  treasure  was  deposited  in 
the  safe,  and  then  Mr.  Cherington  was  anxious  to  glance  at  my 
accounts ;  but  I  refused  to  open  them  until  the  next  day,  and  with 
a  sigh  my  partner  did  not  press  me  further  in  regard  to  business. 

u  As  it  is  near  dinner  time,  we  may  as  well  go  home,"  Mr. 
Cherington  said.  44 1  suppose  that  Julia  will  be  anxious  to  see 
you.  But  remember,  no  word  about  marriage  —  you  must  recol- 
lect that.'.' 

We  reached  the  house,  the  door  was  opened,  and  before  me, 
looking  more  beautiful  than  ever,  stood  Julia.  I  sprang  for- 
ward, threw  my  arms  around  her,  and  kissed  the  red  lips  which 
she  held  up  so  lovingly.  We  could  not  speak  for  a  moment,  our 
happiness  was  so  great.  When  I  released  the  blushing  girl  from 
my  fond  embrace,  I  found  that  her  father  had  very  wisely  left  us 
together.  I  led  the  dear  girl  into  the  parlor,  a^ud  seated  myself 
on  a  sofa  by  her  side.  One  arm  was  thrown  around  her  waist, 
and  one  hand  held  her  own. 


LOVERS'  CONFIDENCES.  219 

"  You  are  glad  to  see  me  —  are  you  not?  "the  young  lady 
asked,  by  the  way  of  commencing  a  conversation. 

"  Ah,  so  glad  !  "  I  replied,  with  a  slight  squeeze,  that  caused  the 
rich  blood  to  mantle  her  face  and  white  neck. 

"  And  have  you  been  good  while  absent?"  Julia  asked,  turn- 
ing her  dark  eyes  upon  my  face  with  a  searching  glance. 

u  Very  good,"  I  answered,  and  kissed  the  sweet  face  that  was 
close  to  mine. 

"  I  knew  you  would  be,"  she  replied,  in  a  triumphant  man- 
ner. "  I  would  stake  my  life  on  your  constancy." 

What  a  pang  shot  through  my  heart  at  hearing  those  words ! 

"  Now  let  me  look  at  you,"  Julia  said,  holding  me  off  at  arm's 
length. 

I  am  fearful  that  my  eyes  drooped  beneath  her  gaze,  it  was  so 
pure  and  innocent. 

"  You  look  tired  and  worried.  Your  skin  is  burned  by  the 
sun.  Still  I  don't  know  but  I  like  you  better  than  before  you  left 
me  for  that  horrid  California." 

"  But  you  do  not  ask  me  how  I  have  succeeded  while  absent," 
I  said,  after  her  head  was  once  more  nestled  on  my  breast. 

"  What  do  I  care  as  long  as  you  are  well,  and  have  returned 
home  ?  "  was  the  answer. 

"  But  you  want  me  to  be  fortunate  in  all  my  undertakings  —  do 
you  not  ?  " 

"  O,  yes,  of  course.  But  then,  even  if  you  wrere  not,  what 
does  it  matter?  My  father  has  money  enough  for  us  both." 

"  We  have  been  more  successful  than  we  possibly  anticipated. 
I  have  paid  my  father  what  I  owed  him,  and  can  now  claim  to 
be  worth  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  in  my  own  right,  but  we 
may  have  to  wait  for  some  months  before  I  can  call  you  mine. 
And  you  will  love  me  just  as  well?" 

"  O,  yes,  of  course  I  will ;  but  I  don't  see  why  we  should  wait." 

M  We  must  await  your  father's  pleasure,  darling." 

"0,  yes,  I  know;  but  still  you  have  made  so  much  money, 
and  I  can  buy  beautiful  laces  just  now  very  cheap." 

I  laughed,  for  that  was  a  great  inducement. 

"  I  don't  think  it  is  any  laughing  matter,"  Julia  pouted. 

"  Nor  I,  dear  >  for  while  I  was  on  the  ocean,  my  thoughts,  day 
after  day,  were  of  you,  and  the  moment  when  I  should  call  you 
mine." 


220  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Before  we  could  exchange  other  thoughts  we  were  informed 
that  dinner  waited  us.  The  dinner  was  one  of  Mr.  Cherington's 
best.  It  was  cooked  to  perfection,  and  while  we  lingered  over 
our  coffee  and  dessert,  Julia  solicited  me  to  relate  some  of  my 
experiences  in  California. 

"  Ah,  yes  ;  let  us  hear  them,"  cried  Mr.  Cherington.  u  Tell 
us  how  you  traded  for  the  gold  which  you  brought  home.  A  great 
voyage.  Over  seventy  thousand  dollars  in  two  months.  That  is 
the  way  to  make  money.  The  richest  firm  ou  the  island." 

The  last  few  sentences  were  uttered  in  a  low  tone. 

I  commenced  my  story,  and  related  all  the  incidents  that  had 
happened  to  me  during  my  absence,  excepting  the  one  which  con- 
Lected  Lilly  with  the  trip,  and  my  experience  in  gambling  at  San 
Francisco.  When  I  had  concluded  my  yarn,  and  received  warm 
praise  for  my  management,  my  partner  said,  — 

u  You  have  had  some  marvellous  risks,  and  your  encounter- 
ing them  only  makes  you  more  worthy  of  other  trials.  Now  you 
will  know  how  to  avoid  most  of  the  troubles  which  surrounded 
you  on  the  first  trip.  But,  if  you  feel  reluctant  to  go,  why,  I 
will  take  your  place,  and  you  can  take  mine.  To  be  sure  I  am 
old,  but  I  am  still  active." 

I  knew  what  that  meant,  very  well.  The  old  gentleman  was 
aware  that  I  would  never  consent  to  such  an  arrangement. 

u  I  was  in  hopes,"  I  said,  "  that  I  could  claim  the  hand  of 
Julia,  on  reaching  home  ;  .but  as  that  cannot  be,  I  am  willing  to 
make  one  more  trip,  and  I  trust  that  it  will  be  such  a  successful 
one  that  no  objections  to  our  immediate  marriage  will  be  urged 
on  my  return.  I  am  anxious  for  wealth,  but  more  anxious  for  a 
wife." 

Julia  blushed,  and  Mr.  Cherington  smiled. 

"  Just  what  I  expected  of  you,  Charles.  I  knew  your  good 
seuse  would  prompt  you  to  make  another  voyage.  Love  is  all 
very  well  in  its  way,  but  wealth  is  better." 

u  I  don't  think  so,"  pouted  Julia. 

"  Nor  I ;  but  we  must  admit  your  father's  argument,  for  he  is 
the  most  powerful  at  present.  We  must  wait,  and  perhaps  you 
will  think  it  for  the  best." 

"  Well  done,  my  boy,  well  done  !  To  show  you  that  I  ap- 
preciate your  motives,  from  this  dav  you  shall  rarik  as  an  equal 
partner  with  myself  in  the  firm.  When  the  proper  time  arrives, 


CONGRATULATIONS.  221 

I  shall  be  pleased  to  consign  the  happiness  of  this  dear  child  to 
your  care.  She  is  a  treasure,  and  I  know  you  are  worthy  of 
her." 

I  felt  a  little  twinge  of  conscience  as  my  hand  met  Julia's.  1 
was  receiving  praise  which  did  not  belong  to  nie,  and  I  feared 
that  some  day  it  would  be  discovered.  But  until  that  time  I  de- 
termined to  assume  a  virtue  which  I  did  not  really  possess. 

When  we  went  to  the  store  we  found  a  crowd  of  natives  still 
besieging  the  door,  anxious  to  hear  more  news  from  California ; 
and  they  thought  that  the  best  way  to  obtain  it  would  be  by 
squatting  in  the  sand,  and  waiting  until  something  turned  up. 
They  were  in  no  hurry.  A  day,  or  even  a  week,  was  nothing  to 
them.  We  forced  our  way  through  the  crowd,  and  saw  several 
merchants  in  the  store  waiting  for  us.  Among  them  was  Vida, 
the  partner  of  Hatch,  who  had  taken  passage  with  me  for  Cali- 
fornia. He  had  received  the  letters  which  I  had  brought  for  him. 
The  counting-room  wras  crowded  with  prominent  men,  who  were 
anxious  to  hear  the  details  of  my  voyage.  So  many  rumors 
were  in  circulation  in  Honolulu  regarding  the  amount  of  money 
which  I  had  brought  to  the  island,  that  the  merchants  were  fran- 
tic to  embark  in  speculations,  and  make  fortunes  with  the  least 
possible  delay.  I  could  see  at  once  that  this  was  likely  to  affect 
the  price  of  the  very  articles  which  we  were  anxious  to  speculate 
in  ;  for  Mr.  Cherington,  like  the  prudent  man  that  he  was,  did 
not  risk  too  many  eggs  in  one  basket.  He  had  bought  noth- 
ing, and  sold  nothing  of  any  amount  while  I  was  absent  from 
the  island. 

"  Cherington,"  cried  Vida,  "  it  is  whispered  around  town  that 
you  have  made  a  hundred  thousand  dollars  by  the  trip.  If  that 
is  the  case  we  congratulate  you." 

"  I  heard  that  it  was  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand,"  said 
Braunon,  an  oil  merchant. 

u  One  of  my  fellows  tells  me  that  he  saw  ten  large  bags  of 
gold  brought  ashore,"  remarked  Ludwig,  who  was  in  the  sugar 
business. 

"  Tell  us  how  much  you  made,  Cherington,"  they  all  cried, 
in*  chorus. 

"  Upon  my  word,  gentlemen,  I  don't  know  wrhat  to  think  of 
this,"  remarked  my  partner,  with  a  smile  of  extreme  good-nature. 
"  I  won't  say  what  we  have  made  or  lost,  it  is  so  recent  since  the 
vessel  returned." 


222  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

* 

One  by  one  they  retired,  until  only  Brannon  remained. 

u  Cherrington,"  he  said,  u  I'll  give  you  forty  dollars  a  barrel 
for  that  beef  of  yours." 

I  nodded  to  my  partner  to  sell. 

"  We  have  got  one  hundred  barrels.  You  can  have  all  but 
ten  of  them  for  that  price." 

u  Thank  you.     I'll  pay  to-morrow  ; "  and  off  he  went. 

He  had  barely  left  the  store  when  Ludwig  entered. 

44  Got  any  beef  you  want  to  sell  cheap?  "  he  asked. 

"  Just  sold  the  last,"  was  the  answer. 

The  man  left  the  store  like  a  whirlwind. 

"  A  nice  speculation  they  have  commenced.  Ah,  if  I  had  but 
known  that  you  were  successful,  what  a  strike  I  could  have 
made  ! "  sighed  Mr.  Cherington.  "  But  what  possessed  you  to 
signalize  me  to  sell  beef  at  so  low  a  figure?"  he  continued. 

"  Because,"  I  replied,  "  a  barrel  of  salt  beef  cannot  be  sold  in 
San  Francisco.  The  miners  repudiate  it,  for  they  prefer  pork. 
In  a  few  weeks  the  scurvy  will  make  its  appearance  in  California, 
and  then  fresh  provisions  must  be  in  demand.  If  we  had  a  load 
there  now,  we  could  make  thousands  of  dollars." 

"  Then  we  will  have  a  cargo  there  in  a  few  weeks,"  cried  Mr. 
Cherington,  cheerily. 

I  left  the  store,  and  went  on  board  the  Helen,  where  I  found  a 
number  of  kanakas,  still  eager  to  learn  all  they  could  regarding 
California.  Mr.  Topmall  was  quite  contented  on  board.  He 
scorned  the  idea^of  leaving  the  vessel  for  the  shore,  but  Will  was 
not  so  nautical.  He  was  pleased  to  obtain  a  day  or  two  for  him- 
self, and  went  on  shore  with  me.  I  reached  the  counting-room, 
and  found  Mr.  Cherington  hard  at  work  at  his  accounts. 

'•  Here  is  one  item,  Charles,  I  do  not  understand,"  he  cried. 

"  Let  me  see,"  I  said  ;  and  I  stepped  to  the  desk,  and  glanced 
at  the  figures. 

"  You  sent  ten  thousand  dollars  to  your  father,  and  yet  I  find 
the  total  amount  received  by  you  to  overrun  by  four  thousand 
dollars.  Where  did  such  a  sum  come  from?" 

I  felt  the  sharp  eyes  of  my  partner  full  upon  my  face.  I  scorned 
to  tell  a  lie,  and  so  I  boldly  answered,  — 

"  I  made  it  one  night  at  a  gambling  table,  at  San  Francisco." 

"  O,  Charles !  "  cried  the  old  gentleman,  throwing  down  his 
pen,  and  clapping  his  hands  in  horror  at  such  wickedness. 


AN   EXPLANATION.  223 

"  My  dear  intended  father-in-law,"  I  said,  "  I  had  no  intention 
of  playing  when  I  commenced." 

"  They  all  say  that,"  groaned  the  good  man. 

"  But  I  mean  what  I  say.  Now  don't  groan  any  more,  for  it 
won't  do  any  good.  Just  listen  to  my  explanation." 

He  calmly  adjusted  his  glasses,  and  looked  a  little  more  re- 
signed ;  but  still  he  sighed  as  though  he  did  not  feel  quite  well.  I 
then  told  the  old  gentleman  how  it  happened,  that  I  had  risked 
my  money,  and  won  the  Chilian's ;  and  after  the  explanation  the 
frown  disappeared  from  his  face. 

"  Well,  I  forgive  you  this  time,  but  don't  do  so  again.  It  is 
dangerous.  I  am  glad  that  you  won,  of  course,  but  don't  attempt 
it  the  second  time.  Only  imagine  how  Julia  would  mourn  if  she 
should  hear  of  it." 

"  But  I  trust  she  won't  hear  of  it." 

The  good  man  shook  his  head. 

"  You  don't  mean  to  tell  me  that  you  will  inform  her  ?  "  I  asked, 
in  alarm. 

"  My  duty  to  my  child,  Charles.     Only  think  of  that," 

"  Nonsense  !  It  is  not  your  duty  to  make  her  unhappy,  or  me 
miserable.  Don't  I  tell  you  it  was  the  first  time  I  ever  bet  ?  " 

"  And  you  say  it  shall  be  the  last,  I  believe." 

"  Of  course.     Do  let  the  matter  drop  where  it  is." 

u  Well,  I  think  that  I  will.  My  daughter's  happiness  is  very 
dear  to  me,  and  so  is  yours,  Charles  ;  but  you  must  not  wonder 
if  I  am  a  little  astonished  at  the  revelation  that  has  been  made. 
Let  it  pass.  In  a  few  days  you  will  be  off  on  another  trip,  and 
during  your  absence  I  shall  forget  what  you  have  told  me." 

The  cunning  old  fellow  was  now  certain  that  he  had  me.  And 
so  he  had,  for  I  was  willing  to  consent  to  almost  anything  rather 
than  have  my  bad  deeds  revealed  to  Julia. 

The  next  morning  Mr.  Cherington  left  the  house  before  I  got 
down  to  breakfast,  so  that  I  had  a  delightful  chat  with  Julia. 
About  ten  o'clock  I  reached  the  store.  My  partner  was  out 
on  business  ;  so  I  lighted  a  cigar,  and  awaited  his  return.  In  a 
few  minutes  he  came  in,  looking  somewhat  excited.  He  threw 
down  his  Panama  hat,  took  off  his  spectacles,  and  rubbed  them 
before  he  said  a  word.  I  looked  at  him  for  a  moment  in  surprise. 

"  Charles,"  he  said,  "  what  do  you  think  the  confounded  spec- 
ulators have  done  ?  " 


224  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  am  sure  I  don't  know." 

"  Well,  this  morning,  while  you  were  sleeping,  I  was  up  and 
at  work.  I  thought  I  would  buy  a  load  of  fruit  before  ten  o'clock, 
so  that  you  could  sail  in  a  few  days  for  California." 

"  Your  intentions  were  laudable." 

"  Don't  interrupt  me.  I  went  to  the  largest  fruit  dealer  in 
town,  and  attempted  to  contract  with  him  for  two  hundred  thou- 
sand oranges,  a  lot  of  cocoa-nuts,  bananas,  &c.  To  my  surprise, 
I  found  that  he  had  sold  everything  last  night,  and  at  prices  which 
would  astonish  you." 

*'  Nothing  astonishes  me  nowadays,"  I  answered  ;  "  not  even 
if  you  were  to  give  your  consent  to  my  immediate  marriage  with 
Julia." 

"  Don't  be  foolish,  Charles.  There  is  time  enough  for  you. 
Only  to  think  of  the  rapacity  of  those  speculators  !  " 

"  Send  to  the  other  islands,"  I  suggested.  "  There  is  Lahaina, 
ICawaihae,  Hilo,  and  Mani.  Fruit  and  fresh  provisions  are  plenty 
at  those  places,  and  they  can  be  bought  cheap." 

Mr.  Cherington  uttered  a  groan  of  agony.  "  It  is  too  late," 
he  remarked.  u  Yesterday  afternoon  canoes  left  for  all  those 
places,  and  the  agents  of  the  speculators  will  buy  up  everything." 

u  That  was  a  sharp  dodge  —  was  it  not?  "  I  remarked. 

"  Yes,  I  must  confess  that  it  was  ;  but  still  I  don't  approve  of 
it,"  and  my  partner  sighed. 

Just  at  that  moment  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gangle  entered  the  store,  and 
put  an  end  to  our  conversation. 

"  O,  men,  men,"  said  the  reverend  gentleman,  "  I  have  no 
doubt  that  you  are  scheming  how  to  make  more  money  at  the  ex- 
pense of  your  eternal  salvation.  Cease  such  work.  Give  your 
gold  to  the  church,  your  thoughts  to  heaven,  and  me  a  cigar. 
Thank  you.  Now  a  match,  with  brimstone  at  the  end,  to  remind 
you,  while  I  am  lighting  it,  of  the  fate  that  is  in  store  for  you." 

Mr.  Gangle  lighted  his  cigar,  and  smoked  for  a  moment  in  si- 
lence. 

"  Charles,"  he  asked,  at  length,  "  how  about  California?  Gold 
there,  hey?  Plenty  of  it,  no  doubt.  "Wish  that  I  had  a  cart-load 
of  the  yellow  dross.  What  churches  I  would  build,  and  what 
good  dinners  I  would  eat !  and  my  friends  should  help  me,  too." 

"  What !  eat  the  dinners,  or  build  the  churches  ?  There  is  a 
slight  difference  between  the  two." 


A   WISE   SUGGESTION.  225 

Mr.  Gangle  looked  at  me  for  a  moment  in  sober  silence,  after 
I  had  asked  the  question.  Then  lie  sighed. 

"  Young  man,  after  you  have  spent  a  life  attempting  to  convert 
heathen,  you  will  know  better  than  to  joke  with  a  missionary." 

"  I  was  serious,"  I  remarked. 

•  u  No  doubt  of  it ;  but  the  cloth  must  not  be  touched  by  the 
profane.  But  to  come  to  business.  The  speculators  have  got  the 
best  of  you  two,  and  you  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  yourselves  for 
letting  them.  The  islands  will  be  searched  for  stuff  to  send  to 
California,  and  consequently  prices  will  go  up  at  once.  Now 
play  a  shrewd  game,  and  win  the  esteem  of  the  natives,  and  also 
those  who  depend  upon  their  labor  for  support." 

"  But  how  shall  we  do  that?  "  my  partner  asked. 

"  I  will  tell  you.  Refuse  to  buy  anything  of  the  men  who  are 
so  anxious  to  speculate.  They  think  that  they  can  compel  you  to 
come  up  to  their  prices.  If  you  are  firm,  they  can  do  no  such 
thing.  Tell  them  that  you  cannot  countenance  such  transactions 
—  that  it  will  be  the  means  of  depriving  the  natives  of  their  daily 
fruit,  unless  at  greatly  enhanced  prices.  I  will  tell  all  my 
congregations  what  patriots  you  are.  The  rascals  will  find 
themselves  in  a  tight  place,  and  will  lose  money  by  their  opera- 
tions." 

"  How?  "I  asked. 

"  Listen,  young  man,  and  find  out.  There  is  no  vessel  in  port 
that  can  be  despatched  immediately  for  California.  The  whalers 
dare  not  venture  there  —  their  crews  would  run  away." 

Mr.  Cheriugton  clapped  his  hands  at  the  new  idea.  He  saw 
the  point,  and  was  disposed  to  improve  it. 

"  They  can  purchase  as  much  as  they  please,  but  they  cannot 
remove  provisions  from  the  island,"  my  partner  said. 

u  Of  course  they  can't.  Now,  what  is  to  prevent  your  vessel 
from  slipping  off  to  some  port  where  yams  and  fruit  are  cheap, 
buy  at  a  low  figure,  and  then  sail  for  California  ?  It  can  be  done 
if  you  are  smart." 

I  took  down  from  a  shelf  a  map  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and 
spread  it  upon  the  desk  before  me.  I  read  aloud  the  names  of 
islands,  and  while  I  was  so  employed  the  missionary  looked  over 
my  shoulder,  and  suddenly  stabbed  at  the  map  with  a  penknife 
with  which  he  had  been  cleaning  his  nails. 

44  There,"  he  cried,  leaving  the  knife  quivering  in  the  map,  — 
15 


226  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

u  there  is  where  you  must  go.  Everything  in  the  provision  line 
is  cheap  there." 

"  The  Ladrone  Islands  !  "  I  exclaimed. 

"  Ay,  the  Ladrone  Islands,"  was  the  remark  of  our  reverend 
friend.  "  You  will  find  an  abundance  there,  and  at  cheap  rates. 
You  can  run  to  the  island  in  twelve  days,  or  more,  if  you  are 
fortunate.  No  one  need  know  that  you  have  gone  there.  You 
can  collect  a  cargo  in  less  than  a  week's  time,  and  be  in  San 
Francisco  before  the  sharp  speculators  of  Honolulu  have  awa- 
kened to  the  fact  that  they  have  been  outwitted." 

"  Bravo  !  "  cried  my  partner,  with  glee  upon  his  good-natured 
face.  u  That  suggestion  is  worth  a  thousand  dollars  to  us." 

"  Better  say  ten  thousand,  sir,"  the  missionary  remarked.  "  I 
will  wager  that  you  make  as  much  as  that." 

"  I  will  go,"  I  said ;  but  it  cost  me  a  sigh  to  say  so,  for  I 
thought  of  Julia. 

"  That  is  brave.  Now  let  us  see  when  you  can  start ;  "  and 
Mr.  Cheriugton  rubbed  his  hands,  and  began  to  make  his  cal- 
culations. 

u  In  three  days  we  can  sail,  if  nothing  happens  to  detain  us. 
We  have  wood  and  water  to  get  on  board,  and  some  men  to  ship. 
Some  of  my  people  want  liberty  for  a  day  or  two,  and  if  they  did 
not  get  it  they  would  go  to  sea  dissatisfied." 

"  Ah,  the  sinful  wretches  !  "  sighed  the  missionary.  "  They 
are  not  married  men,  and  therefore  have  no  business  on  the 
land." 

I  made  no  reply,  but  hurried  out  of  the  counting-room  to  find 
Will,  and  luckily  I  caught  sight  of  him  near  the  store. 

"  Come  and  go  on  board  with  me,"  I  said.  "  You  must  take 
charge  of  the  Helen  while  Jack  and  Jake  make  a  trip  to  Kaiu- 
maira.  We  are  off  in  three  days." 

"  Where  to,  sir  ?  "  was  the  question. 

"  No  matter.     You  will  find  out  in  time." 

"  Fin  satisfied,  sir.     Money  first,  and  pleasure  afterwards." 

We  went  on  board,  and  I  imparted  the  news  of  our  speedy  de- 
parture to  the  mate  and  Jake,  and  gave  them  permission  to  leave 
the  vessel  for  two  days.  They  were  not  surprised  at  the  orders, 
and  not  dismayed  at  them. 

"•  You  can  first  go  on  shore,  and  get  from  the  store  anything 
you  want,  and  then  take  the  schooner's  boat,  and  visit  the  vil- 


PREPARATIONS   TO    SAIL.  227 

* 

lage.     The  money  that  is  due  you  will  all  be  paid  to-day,  if  you 
desire  it." 

"  How  much  am  'em,  cap'n?"  asked  Jake. 

"Wages  and  commissions  will  give  to  each  of  you  about  five 
hundred  dollars." 

"  O,  de  Lordy  I  "  yelled  Jake,  "  what  dis  nigger  goin'  to  do  wid 
so  much  money  ?  Whar  can  I  put  'em  ?  Some  blamed  teefe  steal 
*em.  I  nebber  hab  so  much  money  afore." 

"  Where  can  I  put  my  rocks?  "  asked  Jack.  "  I  don't  know 
what  to  do  with  so  much  money." 

"  You  can  leave  it  with  us  until  you  are  ready  to  draw  it,"  I 
said. 

"  Then  you  just  keep  it  till  we  wants  it.  We  can  take  a  few 
dollars  to  buy  some  things,  and  leave  the  rest ; "  and  the  mate 
and  steward  hastily  completed  their  preparations  for  a  visit  to 
their  wives. 

As  soon  as  the  two  men  were  on  their  way  to  the  village,  I 
shipped  four  kanakas  to  act  as  seamen,  they  having  made  one  or 
two  voyages  in  whalers,  and  answered  my  purpose  very  well.  The 
cook,  who  was  devoted  to  my  interests,  I  also  shipped.  He 
asked  no  questions  relative  to  the  voyage,  nor  appeared  to  care  for 
the  destination  of  the  vessel.  After  finishing  up  so  much  busi- 
ness I  went  to  dinner,  and  found  the  worthy  missionary  at  the 
house,  earnestly  engaged  in  conversation  with  Julia. 

"  O,  dear,"  said  that  young  lady,  as  I  entered  the  drawing- 
room,  u  what  dreadful  news  is  this  I  hear?  You  are  about  to 
leave  us  once  more,  and  be  gone  a  long  time.  I  think  it  is 
shameful." 

"  Be  resigned,  my  child,  to  the  changes  of  this  world,"  mur- 
mured the  missionary. 

"  Would  you  talk  of  resignation  if  your  wife  should  leave  you 
for  two  or  three  months?  "  asked  Julia. 

"Yes,  my  dear  child,"  returned  Mr.  Gangle,  meekly;  "I 
should  submit  with  much  patience  to  the  punishment." 

Julia  smiled.  It  was  reported  in  certain  circles  that  the  rev- 
erend gentleman  had  not  lived  on  good  terms  with  his  wife  while 
in  the  States,  and  that  he  had  accepted  the  position  of  missionary 
to  the  islands  for  the  express  purpose  of  leaving  her  behind. 

We  went  to  dinner,  and  as  it  was  an  unusually  good  one,  the 
missionary  detained  us  but  a  few  seconds  with  grace. 


228  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  By  the  way,"  said  Mr.  Gangle,  turning  to  me,  "  do  you 
speak  Spanish?" 

u  A  little,"  I  answered,  remembering  my  school  lessons. 

*'  Then  learn  more,  or  the  Ladroners  will  cheat  you  out  of 
many  a  dollar  before  you  know  it.  No  English  is  spoken  at 
the  Ladrones." 

I  promised  compliance  with  the  suggestion,  and  then  we 
talked  of  the  morals  of  the  people  —  a  favorite  topic  with  some 
folks  —  until  coffee  was  introduced,  when  Julia  and  I  retired  to  the 
sitting-room,  and  left  the  old  men  to  chat  of  charity  and  their 
younger  days. 

We  sat  for  an  hour  talking  over  our  projects,  before  the  gen- 
tlemen joined  us.  I  saw  that  Julia,  while  willing  to  bow  to  the 
will  of  her  father,  felt  quite  keenly  the  idea  that  we  were  so  soon 
to  part.  She  even  expressed  as  much,  but  not  in  such  forcible 
language  as  I  did.  She  still  thought  that  she  was  too  young 
to  marry  ;  but  if  there  had  been  no  impediment  in  the  way  of 
our  union,  she  would  not  have  shed  many  tears  ere  she  agreed 
to  change  her  name  for  mine.  I  must  confess  that  I  loved  Julia 
most  dearly  —  that  I  was  proud  of  her  beauty  and  her  accom- 
plishments, and,  while  I  was  sitting  by  her  side,  she  alone  en- 
grossed all  my  thoughts  ;  yet  I  felt  that  I  was  too  young  to  really 
appreciate  the  treasure  which  I  held  in  my  arms.  I  knew  that  I 
was,  at  times,  a  little  wild  and  inconstant ;  but  I  did  not  think 
that  I  possessed  any  vices  which  could  not  be  entirely  eradicated 
after  a  certain  lapse  of  time. 

From  this  reverie  I  was  aroused  by  the  entrance  of  my  partner 
and  the  missionary.  They  had  just  left  the  table  and  its  pleas- 
ures, and  consequently  felt  good-natured  and  sleepy. 

"  Charles,"  said  Mr.  Cherington,  drawing  out  his  white  pongee 
handkerchief,  "  you  and  Julia  had  better  take  a  drive  this  after- 
noon. The  horses  want  exercise.  Gangle  and  I  intend  to  talk 
of  the  church  while  you  are  absent ;  "  and,  throwing  the  handker- 
chief over  his  face,  he  made  preparations  for  a  short  nap.  The 
missionary  followed  his  example. 


OFF   FOR  THE    LADRONE    ISLANDS,  229 


CHAPTER  XV. 

FOR    THE    LADRONE    ISLANDS. A    SURPRISE. MORE    PERPLEXI- 
TIES.   AN  ENGLISH  PILOT. THE  GOVERNOR   OF  THE   LADRONB 

ISLANDS   AND   HIS   DAUGHTER. 

MOST  partings  from  those  we  love  are  alike ;  so  I  shall  pass 
over  the  scene  that  took  place  between  Julia  and  myself  on  the 
morning  that  we  sailed.  Mr.  Cherington  accompanied  me  on 
board  the  Helen,  and  did  not  leave  us  until  the  vessel  was  some 
four  miles  from  land. 

With  a  fresh  and  fair  wind  I  shaped  my  course  for  the  Ladrone 
Islands,  or  Marianne  Islands,  as  some  call  them.  While  I  was 
thinking  of  home  and  my  sailing  directions,  Will  came  on  the 
quarter-deck,  and  asked.  — 

"  Shall  I  let  her  out,  sir? 

u  Who  out  ?  "  I  replied,  with  a  stare  of  astonishment. 

"  Why,  Lilly,  sir.  I  locked  her  up  this  morning,  and  she  ain't 
bin  on  deck  since.  I  thought  you'd  forgotten  her." 

And  so  I  had  ;  and  once  more  I  saw  that  I  was  in  an  unfortunate 
position,  but  must  make  the  best  of  it. 

"  Give  me  the  key,"  I  said  ;  and  with  it  I  went  into  the  cabin, 
and  unlocked  the  door  of  a  state-room. 

I  heard  a  low  cry,  as  though  of  joy,  and  the  next  instant  I  felt 
a  pair  of  arms  arouwl  my  neck. 

"  Lilly,"  I  said,  attempting  to  prevent  the  embrace,  but  she 
resisted  —  for  the  poor  child  did  not  comprehend  why  she 
should  not  display  some  marks  of  her  platonic  affection  on 
the  first  day  from  port,  —  "Lilly,"  I  continued,  "let  us  be 
friends  and  —  " 

"  Well,  ain't  we  friends?  "  she  asked  ;  and  then  she  laughed  as 
though  she  thought  it  a  good  joke.  I  could  only  hope,  with  a 
sigh,  that  no  one  at  Honolulu  would  hear  of  this,  but  I  sub- 
mitted to  my  fate  with  resignation,  while  at  the  same  time  I  was 
confident  that  it  was  not  rioiit. 

O 

It  would  be  tedious  to  relate  all  the  trivial  incidents  connected 


230  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

with  a  voyage  to  the  Ladrones.  With  a  fair  wind,  and  nearly  as 
much  of  it  as  we  needed,  we  rolled  on  our  way  across  the  broad 
Pacific,  until  at  last  my  observations  told  me  that  we  were  close 
to  Guam ;  and  in  an  hour  from  that  time  we  made  the  island, 
and  saw  that  it  was,  apparently,  encircled  by  reefs  of  coral. 
But,  singular  as  it  may  seem,  that  which  looked  so  formidable  at 
a  distance  disappeared  as  we  drew  near  the  land.  The  long 
lines  of  surf  were  to  the  right  and  left  of  us,  but  the  chart  denoted 
an  opening  free  from  danger,  and  through  a  channel  we 
steered,  under  easy  sail,  until  at  last  we  were  within  the  outer 
lines  of  reefs,  with  a  flag  hoisted  as  a  signal  for  a  pilot,  and 
lying  to  until  that  important  individual  should  see  fit  to  visit  us. 
Never,  in  all  my  wanderings,  had  I  seen  such  a  paradise,  and 
that  opinion  was  shared  by  every  man  on  board.  Even  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  rich  in  scenery,  could  not  equal  the  Island  of 
Guam  for  beauty. 

u  Here  comes  the  pilot,  sir,"  said  the  mate,  pointing  in-shore, 
and  arousing  me  from  a  reverie,  in  which  I  was  wondering  why 
people  desired  a  more  enchanting  home,  or  why  they  should  leave 
such  a  one.  I  thought  that  in  a  spot  like  that  a  man  could  end 
his  days  without  trouble  or  ambition. 

"  Stand  by  to  throw  a  line  to  the  boat,"  shouted  the  mate. 

I  went  to  the  rail,  and  looked  at  the  approaching  craft.  It  was 
pulled  by  two  dark-skinned  fellows,  while  the  principal  person 
was  an  individual  in  the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat.  He  was  a  stout, 
red-faced  man,  with  a  broad-brimmed  straw  hat  on  his  large 
head,  white  clothes  on  his  person,  and  shoes  of  untanned  leather 
on  his  feet. 

"  Surely,"  I  thought,  "  that  man  cannot  be  a  Spaniard." 

My  doubts  were  soon  dissipated. 

"  Blast  your  lazy  eyes,"  yelled  the  white  man,  "  why  don't 
you  pull  ?  I'll  pitch  you  both  overboard  unless  you  do  better. 
Now,  then,  alongside  we  go.  So  —  that  will  do." 

The  large  man  at  last  mounted  to  the  deck,  and  then  I  saw 
that  he  was  more  than  six  feet  high,  broad-shouldered,  and  looked 
much  like  an  Englishman. 

"  Are  you  the  master  of  this  vessel?  "  he  asked,  addressing  me, 
after  one  glance  over  the  deck. 

"  I  am,"  was  my  reply. 

"  Then  I  am  happy  .to  see  you,  sir.     My  name  is  John  Wilson 


THE   PILOT.  231 

I  am  the  pilot ;  and  if  you  want  your  vessel  taken  to  a  safe  an- 
chorage, I'm  the  man  to  do  it." 

"  Will  you  allow  me  to  see  your  commission,  sir,  before  I  trust 
the  vessel  to  your  care?"  I  asked'. 

He  took  from  his  trousers'  pocket  a  tobacco  box,  and  on  open- 
ing it  produced  a  very  dirty  paper,  which  he  handed  to  me.  The 
writing  was  in  Spanish,  and -there  was  a  large  seal  on  one  corner 
of  the  document,  but  what  it  represented  I  was  unable  to  compre- 
hend. After  a  hasty  glance,  I  handed  the  paper  to  the  pilot,  anu 
said  that  I  was  satisfied. 

"  I  knew  you  would  be.  Put  the  helm  up  ;  ease  off  the  main 
sheet.  So  —  that's  well.  Keep  her  as  she  goes.  Steer  for  that 
headland,  and  don't  yaw  all  over  God's  creation,  unless  you  want 
to  quarrel  with  me.  Now,  captain,  I  am  ready  to  go  below  for 
a  few  minutes." 

We  entered  the  cabin,  and  the  steward  placed  upon  the  table  a 
bottle  of  brandy,  water,  and  glasses. 

"  Help  yourself,"  I  said,, and  pushed  the  bottle  towards  my 
guest . 

He  did  help  himself,  for  I  noticed  that  his  tumbler,  nearly  two 
thirds  full,  went  to  his  mouth  with  a  steady  hand,  and  that  it  was 
not  removed  until  the  last  drop  was  gone. 

"  That  reminds  me  of  '  Old  London  Dock/ "  he  exclaimed. 
"  I've  not  drank  such  brandy  before  for  twenty  years." 

I  did  not  invite  the  pilot  to  take  a  second  pull  at  the  bottle,  for 
I  wanted  the  schooner  looked  after. 

"  Now,"  said  Wilson,  as  we  returned  to  the  deck,  "  tell  me  where 
you  are  from,  and  where  you  are  bound,  if  it  is  not  too  much 
trouble." 

I  told  him  that  I  was  from  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  was  on 
a  cruise  to  find  certain  articles,  and  that  I  should  visit  different 
ports  until  I  found  what  I  wanted,  and  at  prices  to  suit  me.  I 
did  not  say  that  I  came  to  Guam  expressly  to  buy,  for  I  feared 
that  would  defeat  the  object  of  my  expedition. 

"  You  have  hit  the  right  spot,  sir,"  he  said.  "  You  have  come 
just  in  time.  There  are  no  whalers  in  port,  and  fruit  is  plenty. 
You  can  buy  at  your  own  prices,  provided  you  get  permission  of 
the  governor.  I'll  help  you.  I'm  a  friend  of  the  governor's.  I'm 
known  here  much  better  than  in  Scotland,  although  I  am  cousin 
to  Professor  Wilson,  whom  you  may  have  heard  of  in  the  literary 
world." 


232  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  was  amazed  at  the  intelligence ;  and  yet,  when  I  took  a 
second  look  at  the  pilot,  I  saw  that  his  face  and  form  resembled 
the  great  author. 

44  Yes,  sir ;  I  am  a  cousin  of  Professor  Wilson,  and  we  at- 
tended the  same  school.  He  took  to  literature,  and  I  to  the  sea. 
I  am  contented,  for  I  have  a  wife  and  children,  and  even  grand- 
childrsn  here.  But  you  shall  see  them.  You  shall  visit  my 
house,  and  I'll  make  you  welcome." 

The  Scotchman  dashed  his  hands  across  his  eyes,  and  then 
shouted,  — 

44  Lower  away  the  foresail,  and  be  lively,  you  long-legged 
kanakas,  with  bellies  like  cranes  and  feet  like  ducks.  *  Luff  a 
little.  Steady  as  she  goes.  See  the  anchor  all  clear." 

44  All  clear,"  answered  the  mate. 

The  pilot  astonished  me.  He  had  thrown  aside  the  refined  air 
which  he  had  assumed  when  conversing  with  me,  and  used  lan- 
guage which  I  thought  he  was  a  stranger  to.  The  man  must 
have  noticed  my  expression  of  astonishment,  for  he  said,  — 

44  When  I  speak  to  sailors  I  must  use  the  words  which  they 
understand  ;  _and,  to  tell  the  truth,  although  I  was  educated  with- 
in the  shadow  of  Edinburgh-,  yet  I  find  that  coarse  language  comes 
readiest  to  my  lips  ;  and  why  should  I  care  ?  I  am  the  only  per- 
son on  the  island  who  speaks  English,  and  sometimes  I  think 
that  I  shall  forget  it  entirely.  But  here  we  are,  close  to  the 
anchorage.  Lower  away  the  mainsail,  and  down  with  that  jib. 
Put  your  helm  hard  down.  Steady  as  you  go.  Stand  by  the 
anchor.  Let  go  the  anchor;"  and  these  orders,  which  the  pilot 
shouted  to  the  extent  of  his  voice,  were  obeyed,  and  the  Helen  was 
lying  at  anchor  in  four  fathoms  of  water,  within  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  of  the  shore,  in  a  harbor  which  was  in  the  form  of  a  crescent. 

Alter  the  anchor  was  down  the  pilot's  cares  ceased ;  but  still  he 
lingered  on  board,  and  as  it  was  near  the  dinner  hour,  I  invited 
him  to  remain  and  dine  with  rne.      When  we  sat  down  to  din- 
ner, I  began   to  squeeze  my  guest.     I  found  that  the   governor 
of  the   island  was   a  good-natured  man,  who  loved  his  glass  of 
wine  and  cigars,  and  would  not  throw  any  impediment  in  the 
way  of  trade   if  he   received  a  present,  some  kind  of  goods  be-    -; 
ing  preferred  to  gold,   for  money  was  not  of  much  use  on  the    • 
Ladrones. 

44  The  governor  is  a  good,  hearty  old  fellow,"  said  Wilson, 


A    NOTE    FROM   THE    GOVERNOR.  233 

"  and  has  the  prettiest  girl  on  the  island  for  a  daughter.  But 
you  will  see  her,  and  then  agree  with  me.  She  is  only  sixteen 
years  old,  and  as  lively  as  a  lark.  Don't  fall  in  love  with  her, 
for  the  governor  thinks  that  she  is  fit  for  a  hidalgo." 

"  You  think  that  there  is  some  danger,  then,  of  my  falling  in 
love?"  I  asked,  with  a  smile,  as  I  thought  of  Julia's  bright  eyes 
and  handsome  face. 

"  I  know  of  a  dozen  whaling  captains  who  have  offered  them- 
selves, and  been  refused  ;  and  their  ships  have  remained  here  for 
months  in  consequence." 

u  Most  of  them  were  married  men,  I  suppose,"  I  said. 

"  Well,  it  is  quite  probable,  although  I  don't  know  certain 
whether  such  was  the  case.  But,  at  any  rate,  the  owners  of  the 
ships  did  not  make  much  through  the  susceptibility  of  their  cap- 
tains. That  I  do  know,  and  look  out  that  you  don't  suffer  in  the 
same  way." 

I  gave  the  pilot  as  much  to  eat  and  drink  as  he  could  carry, 
and  then  he  started  for  the  capital  in  his  boat.  St.  Ignazio  de 
Agana  is  located  on  the  banks  of  a  river  some  five  miles  from 
the  port  of  entry  ;  and,  while  I  am  about  it,  let  me  state  that  the 
latter  place  consisted  of  six  huts,  thatched  with  bamboo  leaves, 
and  elevated  from  the  ground  some  four  or  five  feet,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  remaining  dry  during  the  wet  seasons,  for  near  the  beach 
the  ground  was  low  and  marshy. 

I  wraited  with  patience  to  hear  from  my  friend,  and  did  not 
have  to  wait  long.  The  next  forenoon  a  whale-boat,  fitted  up  with 
some  pretensions  to  comfort,  in  the  shape  of  cushioned  seats  and 
an  awning  to  screen  the  person  from  the  hot  sun,  came  alongside, 
with  a  crew  of  four  men,  one  of  whom  brought  me  a  note  from 
Wilson,  saying  that  the  governor,  Don  Pablo  de  Oroto,  would  be 
pleased  to  see  me  if  I  would  honor  the  village  with  my  presence, 
and  requesting  me  to  use  the  boat,  which  belonged  to  his  excel- 
lency, for  the  purpose  of  transporting  my  person  to  the  town.  The 
pilot's  letter  also  contained  a  note  from  the  governor,  but  as  I 
could  not  readily  read  it,  I  spent  but  little  time  over  it.  I  or- 
dered a  luncheon  jor  the  visitors,  and  then  commenced  prepara- 
tions for  departing,  intending  to  be  gone  for  only  one  night. 

Leaving  the  mate  ta  look  after  the  Helen,  I  entered  the  boat 
and  was  pulled  up  the  river,  which  wound  its  way  through  a 
country  rich  with  fruits  and  vegetables  ;  and  on  the  trees  were 


234  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

birds  of  gaudy  plumage,  so  tame  that  they  refused  to  move  when 
the  boat  with  splashing  oars  passed  close  to  them.  I  must  con- 
fess that  the  town  looked  well  at  a  distance,  nestled  at  the  foot  of 
a  high  hill,  with  the  river  sweeping  in  front,  and  cocoa-nut  and 
bamboo  trees  sheltering  the  houses  from  the  noonday  sun.  In- 
deed, so  cheering  was  the  spectaclei  that  the  boatmen,  with  one 
accord,  shouted,  — 

"  St.  Ignazio  de  Agana,  senor.  Mucho  bueno ; "  and  then 
they  commenced  a  song  with  a  chorus,  sung  in  rather  a  pleasing, 
manner,  the  burden  of  which  was  the  delight  of  living  in  such  a 
town  or  city,  filled  with  beautiful  women,  whose  eyes  were  like  the 
stars,  and  whose  hearts  were  as  warm  as  the  sun,  and  whose 
grace  was  perfection.  All  of  this  was  explained  to  me,  when 
they  found  that  I  was  puzzled  at  some  word  ;  and  just  as  they  had 
finished,  with  a  shout  they  ran  the  boat  upon  the  shore,  and  there 
at  the  landing  I  saw  Wilson,  the  pilot,  and  half  a  dozen  individ- 
uals, one  of  whom  I  supposed  was  the  governor  of  the  islands, 
Don  Oroto,  for  he  was  better  dressed  than  the  others,  and  looked 
more  distinguished,  if  such  a  thing  were  possible. 

While  the  men  were  hauling  up  the  boat,  I  had  time  to  glance 
at  the  governor.  He  was  short,  fat,  and  jolly-looking,  with  a 
gray  mustache,  grizzly  hair,  and  a  long,  peaked  beard,  after  the 
style  of  Sir  Francis  Drake.  On  the  whole,  I  rather  liked  the 
appearance  of  the  gentleman.  He  looked  like  a  man  who  would 
drink  his  share  of  a  bottle  of  wine,  and  consider  it  no  hardship ; 
and,  if  such  was  the  case,  I  knew  that  I  had  something  on  board 
that  would  please  him. 

I  left  the  boat  and  walked  towards  the  governor,  who  stood  a 
little  in  advance  of  his  suite.  I  knew  how  ceremonious  the 
Spaniards  were,  and  how  jealous  they  were  of  etiquette,  especially 
on  meeting  guests  ;  so,  when  I  was  within  six  feet  of  the  Don, 
finding  that  no  one  stirred  or  advanced  to  receive  me,  I  stopped, 
removed  my  jaunty  Panama  hat  from  my  head,  bowed  low,  and 
all  the  gentlemen  in  front  of  me  did  the  same. 

"  I  trust  that  I  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Don  Oroto,  whose 
reputation  for  wisdom  and  courtesy  is  well  known  at  the  Sand- 
wich Islands.  May  he  live  a  thousand  years  ;  "  and,  as  I  spoke 
in  English,  I  thought  I  had  done  very  well. 

The  governor  looked  towards  Wilson  for  an  explanation,  and 
the  pilot  translated  my  speech,  and  I  could  see  that  it  gratified 
the  man  for  whom  it  was  intended. 


A  SPANIARD'S  HOSPITALITY.  235 

"  We  are  happy  to  welcome  you  to  the  City  of  St.  Ignazio  de 
Agana,"  said  the  governor ;  and  we  shook  hands  quite  heartily, 
and  then  he  introduced  me  to  the  members  of  his  suite,  one  of 
them  being  his  secretary,  a  second,  secretary  of  state,  with  noth- 
ing to  do,  and  the  other  the  captain  of  the  Spanish  troops,  the 
care  of  whom  was  intrusted  to  a  sergeant. 

A  paper  cigar  was  thrust  into  my  hands,  the  secretary  of'  state 
gave  me  fire,  and  the  governor  put  his  arm  through  mine,  anil 
led  me  through  the  city,  the  suite  following  at  our  heels,  and 
Wilson,  the  pilot,  bringing  up  the  rear. 

All  the  time  that  we  were  marching  through  the  streets,  the 
governor  chatted  to  me  in  a  gay  and  easy  manner ;  but  I  must 
confess  that  I  understood  but  little  that  he  said,  and  contented 
myself  with  answering  at  random  questions  which  were  put  to 
me.  The  sun  was  hot,  the  streets  were  dusty,  and  I  was  not 
sorry,  at  length,  to  stop  before  a  more  substantial  looking  house 
than  any  I  had  seen,  and  I  was  glad  to  hear  Don  Oroto  proclaim 
the  dwelling  as  his  casa. 

"  My  house,  senor,"  said  Don  Oroto  ;  and  there  was  a  look  of 
pride  in  his  face  as  he  pronounced  the  words. 

The  polite  Spaniard  pointed  with  his  cane,  and  bowed  and 
smiled  as  invitations  to  enter,  which  I  could  not  refuse.  I  passed 
up  the  avenue,  and  entered  the  one-story  house,  the  doors  of 
which  stood  open,  and  were  seldom  closed  except  at  night,  or 
when  the  rain  poured  down  in  torrents  during  the  rainy  season. 
•  "  Senor,"  said  the  governor,  "  this  is  my  house.  All  in  it  is 
at  your  disposal.  May  you  remain  with  me  a  thousand  years." 

This  was  only  to  express  that  I  was  welcome,  and  I  understood 
it  as  such  ;  but  the  governor  showed  his  sincerity  by  passing 
around  paper  cigars,  and  shouting  in  a  loud  tone  for  fire.  A 
boy,  —  a  little  fellow  not  more  than  eight  years  of  age,  —  witl 
nothing  in  the  shape  of  clothing  but  a  very  scanty  shirt,  which 
hardly  reached  to  his  knees,  came  into  the  room,  obedient  to  the 
summons,  bearing  in  his  hand  a  smoking  brand  which  had  been 
plucked  from  the  fire  for  the  purpose  of  serving  as  a  cigar-lighter. 
For  a  few  moments  we  smoked  on  in  silence,  all  waiting  for 
the  governor  to  open  the  conversation.  At  last  that  gentleman 
Baid,  — 

44  The  senor  capitan  has  visited  us,  and  we  are  glad  to  see  him. 
We  understand  from  our  friend,  the  pilot,  that  he  is  desirous  of 
purchasing  a  cargo  of  vegetables  and  fruits." 


236  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Such  is  my  intention,  if  I  can  make  bargains  to  suit  me ; 
otherwise  I  must  seek  other  islands." 

With  Wilson's  help  I  managed  to  say  this ;  but  to  avoid  repeti- 
tions I  will  relate  the  conversation  as  though  I  was  a  Spanish 
linguist. 

44  The  saints  forbid,  senor,  that  you  should  leave  us  for  some 
other  place,  where  you  would  not  be  treated  as  well  as  we  shall 
treat  you." 

44  At  what  prices  can  your  excellency  supply  me  ?  "  I  asked. 

44  Name  the  articles,  and  then  I  will  answer,"  the  Spaniard 
replied  ;  and  he  nodded  to  his  secretary,  who  gravely  moved  his 
seat  to  the  table,  and  drew  a  paper  from  his  pocket  and  prepared 
to  take  notes. 

44  One  thousand  bushels  of  yams.  Can  you  name  the  price?" 
I  asked. 

He  whispered  for  a  moment  with  his  suite,  and  even  allowed 
Wilson  to  join  the  conference.  At  length  Don  Oroto  said,  — 

44 1  hope  that  you  don't  think  two  rials  per  bushel  too  much, 
senor." 

I  did  not  close  the  bargain  immediately,  for  I  feared  that  the 
governor  would  think  me  too  easy  in  making  a  trade.  But  I 
continued  to  mention  what  I  wanted,  and  among  the  items  were 
one  hundred  turtles,  fifty  pigs,  one  hundred  dozen  fowls,  fifty 
thousand  oranges,  ten  thousand  lemons,  five  hundred  bushels  of 
potatoes  of  the  sweet  variety,  and  one  hundred  bunches  of  bana- 
nas, all  fit  for  shipment,  and  not  too  ripe.  The  purchase  of  so 
many  articles  caused  the  utmost  astonishment,  and  an  immense 
amount  of  calculating  on  the  part  of  the  officials.  But  at  last 
they  gave  me  their  prices,  and  they  were  more  reasonable  than  I 
expected.  I  hinted  at  a  contract,  and  that  the  articles  should  all 
be  delivered  within  ten  days.  It  was  some  time  before  I  could 
induce  my  friends  to  listen  to  such  a  proposition.  It  was  some- 
thing they  were  not  accustomed  to.  They  wanted  to  take  their 
own  course,  and  not  hurry  matters ;  but  at  last  I  showed  them 
that  time  was  all-important  to  me,  and  they  agreed  that,  with 
great  labor,  the  cargo  could  be  completed  in  the  specified  period. 

It  was  about  three  o'clock  when  we  entered  the  diniug-room, 
and  there,  for  the  first  time,  I  saw  the  famed  daughter  of  the 
governor  ;  and  her  reputation  for  beauty  had  not  been  too  highly 
extolled.  Her  eyes  were  dark  and  large,  and  full  of  fun ;  her 


A    CHARMING   GIRL.  237 

form  was  perfect,  full,  and  graceful,  and  her  face  resembled 
Raphael's  picture  of  the  Madonna.  I  thought,  at  the  time,  that 
I  had  rarely  seen  so  lovely  a  countenance  ;  and  had  I  not  been 
engaged  to  a  lady,  I  should  have  fallen  in  love  without  delay. 

"  Constance,"  said  the  governor,  nodding  his  head  with  a  satis- 
fied look,  "  my  daughter." 

I  bowed  very  low,  and  I  know,  for  sometime,  I  did  not  re- 
move my  eyes  from  the  charming  face  of  the  lady,  and  I  am 
certain  that  Constance  examined  my  appearance  with  much 
curiosity,  and  seemed  happily  disappointed  to  find  that  she  was 
in  the  presence  of  a  young  man 'who  was  not  badly  dressed, 
and  did  not  have  the  smell  of  tar  upon  his  clothes.  At  any  rate 
the  lady,  when  our  eyes  met,  smiled  and  bowed,  and  then  ex- 
tended her  hand.  I  took  my  seat  at  the  table  by  her  side,  and 
very  glad  she  seemed  of  the  company ;  for  while  we  were  waiting 
for  the  soup,  she  commenced  chatting,  and  a  very  musical  voice 
she  had.  How  her  tongue  did  run  on  !  She  asked  me  where  I 
was  from,  and  had  an  idea  that  most  Americans  were  black,  and 
was  therefore  quite  surprised  to  find  that  my  skin  was  whiter 
than  her  own,  and  the  little  jade  actually  placed  her  hand  on  mine 
to  show  the  difference.  Constance  was  the  daughter  of  a  pure- 
blooded  Spanish  woman,  and  that  accounted  for  her  beautiful 
complexion  and  clear  skin,  not  a  drop  of  Indian  blood  running  in 
her  veins-  She  was  a  child  of  nature.  All  that  she  knew  was 
contained  in  a  few  volumes  of  Spanish  romances,  which  she  had 
read  many  times.  When  she  was  not  reading  or  smoking  a  paper 
cigar,  she  was  playing  on  her  guitar  and  singing ;  and  I  must 
confess  that  I  have  heard  much  worse  music  and  poorer  singers. 
The  soup  removed,  the  governor  commenced  the  conversation  ; 
but  I  was  so  much  occupied  with  his  daughter  that  I  did  not 
understand  him,  and  yet  I  could  comprehend  nearly  every  word 
that  Constance  uttered,  so  rapid  was  my  advancement  in  the 
Spanish  language  when  aided  by  pretty  lips. 

u  The  governor  speaks  to  you,"  said  Wilson,  who  had  been 
dumb. 

u  I  am  sorry  that  I  did  not  hear  his  excellency.  Will  you 
apologize  for  me,  and  repeat  his  remark?" 

u  The  governor  says,"  continued  Wilson,  "  that  he  is  sorry  he 
has  no  wine  to  offer  you.  He  is  expecting  a  vessel  from  Manila 
with  a  supply." 


238  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  If  there  was  a  way  to  reach  the  schooner  Fd  send  for  some," 
I  said.  "  I  should  like  the  privilege  of  making  his  excellency  a 
present  for  his  kindness  and  hospitality." 

As  Wilson  interpreted  my  good  intention,  the  dark  eyes  of  the 
governor  sparkled,  and  even  the  eyes  of  his  daughter  expressed 
pleasure. 

"  Send  for  the  wine  !  "  cried  the  governor  ;  "  why,  we  have  a 
dozen  lazy  varlets  who  have  nothing  else  to  do  than  run  our 
errands.  We  don't  want  to  trouble  the  senor,  but  if  he  has  wine 
on  board,  and  is  disposed  to  send  for  some,  we  will  cheerfully 
furnish  the  means  for  obtaining  it." 

I  tore  a  scrap  of  paper  from  my  note-book,  and  wrote  a  few 
lines  to  the  mate,  directing  him  to  send  me  a  basket  of  cham- 
pagne and  two  cases  of  claret.  I  also  wrote  him  to  tell  Lilly 
that  I  was  well  and  hard  at  work,  so  hard  that  I  did  not  know 
when  I  should  be  able  to  return  to  the  schooner.  I  had  maay 
things  to  buy,  and  the  action  of  the  authorities  was  slow. 

"  Will  that  note  cause  the  wine  to  be  sent?  "  asked  the  lady. 

I  told  her  that  it  would ;  that  whoever  read  the  note  would 
obey  my  wishes. 

"  O,"  she  said,  thoughtfully,  "  I  wish  that  I  could  write  as  well. 
But,  then,  who  could  I  write  to?  " 

"  Bah  !  "  replied  her  father  ;  "  what  does  a  girl  care  for  such 
trifles  ?  She  would  only  write  love-letters  and  such  nonsense,  if 
she  understood  the  use  of  a  pen.  Is  it  not  so,  senor  captain  ?  " 

"  Yes,  but  how  happy  a  woman  can  render  a  man  by  sending 
him  a  love-letter  !  Surely  that  is  an  extenuating  circumstance  ;  " 
and  I  bowed  to  the  little  beauty  at  my  side,  who  clapped  her 
hands  and  laughed. 

"  Would  you  like  a  love-letter  from  me  ?  "  the  spoiled  child 
asked. 

"  I  should  certainly  esteem  it  an  honor,"  I  answered,  stealing  a 
look  at  the  governor  to  see  how  he  would  notice  such  a  remark. 
But  his  excellency  was  picking  the  bone  of  a  chicken,  and  seemed 
not  to  have  heard  the  question. 

u  Would  you?"  she  laughed,  with  a  flash  of  her  eye  that  was 
as  dangerous  as  lightning.  "  Will  you  teach  me  so  to  write,  that 
I  can  send  you  a  note?  If  you  will  do  that  I  will  teach  you 
Spanish." 

•"  If  you  can  obtain  your  father's  permission,  I  will  give  you 
lessons,"  I  answered. 


A   LITTLE   SPARRING.  239 

"  O,  he  will  consent,  I  know  he  will,"  she  answered,  carelessly  ; 
but  the  governor  said  not  a  word. 

Just  at  that  moment  a  lady  entered  the  room,  and  took  a  vacant 
chair  at  the  governor's  right.  She  was,  apparently,  about  twenty- 
five  years  of  age,  very  dark,  with  snapping  black  eyes,  and  rather 
inclined  to  be  old  maidish,  I  thought. 

"  We  were  speaking  of  love,  aunt  Dorothea,"  said  the  child  of 
nature  at  my  side.  "  What  do  you  think  of  it?"  and  the  young 
lady  shot  a  glance  of  mischief  from  her  bright  eyes,  as  she  asked 
the  question. 

"  I  know  nothing  of  the  subject,"  was  the  unsatisfactory  answer. 

"  What,  aunt,"  echoed  the  young  lady,  with  a  giggle,  "  not 
know  what  love  means,  when  you  were  wooed  so  strongly  by  the 
whaling  captain?  I  am  sorry  that  you  are  so  forgetful." 

Senorita  Dorothea  scowled  at  her  niece,  and,  as  she  sent  her 
plate  away,  replied,  rather  snappishly,  — 

"  Don't  mention  the  brute,  if  you  please." 

"  But  I  thought  that  you  liked  him.  I  am  sure  he  had  a  love- 
ly nose  ; "  and  Senorita  Constance  leaned  back,  and  laughed  until 
her  plump  neck  was  the  color  of  scarlet. 

Even  the  governor  smiled,  but  his  sister  did  not  show  any  sign 
of  mirth.  She  looked  as  sour  as  a  barrel  of  lime-juice. 

"  Even  if  you  laugh  at  him,  you  will  please  to  recollect  that  the 
whaling  captain  would  have  married  me,  if  I  had  been  disposed  to 
accept  of  him  ;"  and  the  aunt  tossed  her  head  and  looked  defiance. 

"  I  am  sure  I  don't  recollect  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case," 
cried  the  young  lady,  "for  I  was  too  young.  But  some  one 
must,  and  I  should  like  to  hear  them  ;  "  and  then  the  little  witch 
turned  to  me  and  continued  :  "  The  whaling  captain  took  a  fancy 
to  aunt,  and  would  have  eloped  with  her,  had  she  not  scratched 
his  face  and  pulled  his  hair.  She  has  never  seen  him  since." 

By  the  time  we  had  finished  coffee  it  was  four  o'clock. 
The  heat  of  the  day  had  ceased,  and  a  cool  breeze  was  passing 
jver  the  town,  fresh  from  the  ocean,  giving  life  and  vigor  to  every 
one.  We  left  the  table  and  entered  the  sitting-room,  or  reception- 
room,  as  his  excellency  called  it,  and  lighted  cigars,  the  ladies 
joining  us  in  that  agreeable  occupation. 

"  Senor,"  said  the  governor,  "  would  you  like  to  ride,  and  look 
at  the  natural  beauties  of  the  island?  Animals  are  at  your 
service  if  you  desire  a  short  excursion." 


240  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTUIIES. 

"  I  will  also  go  !  "  exclaimed  Constance.  "  I  will  show  the 
senor  all  the  noted  places  within  three  miles  of  the  town." 

With  such  company  I  could  not  refuse.  I  intimated  the  pleas- 
ure I  should  feel  at  taking  a  short  ride,  and  the  governor  gave 
orders  to  u  prepare  the  animals,"  while  Constance  retired  to 
change  her  dress,  and  the  gentlemen  stretched  their  forms  on  the 
lounges,  and  appeared  inclined  to  doze  while  smoking.  In  a  few 
nnnutes  the  young  lady  re-appeared,  with  a  long  dress  in  place 
of  a  short  one.  On  her  head  she  had  a  small  straw  hat,  wij| 
long  ribbons  attached,  but  as  they  were  of  a  bright  green  color, 
they  did  not  harmonize  with  her  dark  complexion. 

"  Where  are  the  senor's  spurs?"  asked  Constance,  glancing  at 
my  feet,  and  seeing  they  were  not  armed  with  steel. 

u  O,  never  mind  the  spurs,"  I  remarked  ;  "  I  shall  not  want  to 
ride  fast." 

"  But  you  will  want  the  animal  to  walk  fast,"  cried  Constance. 

"  Certainly,"  I  answered. 

"  Then  you  must  have  spurs,"  was  the  answer. 

I  could  not  comprehend  the  meaning  of  this  advice,  but  before 
many  minutes  I  was  enlightened.  I  heard  a  low  bellow  in  front 
of  the  house,  and  I  was  about  to  step  to  the  window  to  look  out,, 
when  some  remark  that  Constance  made  detained  me.  I  think 
that  she  wanted  me  to  adjust  some  part  of  her  dress ;  and  after  I 
had  performed  that  duty,  she  made  me  light  a  fresh  cigar,  and? 
theu  we  chatted  for  a  moment,  or  until  a  bare-legged  native  came 
in  and  said  that  the  "  animals  were  ready." 

u  Pleasant  ride,"  said  the  governor,  and  went  to  sleep. 

"  Don't  let  him  have  his  head  if  you  meet  any  animals  on  the 
road,"  cried  Wilson  ;  and  his  eyes  were  closed  in  a  second. 

"  Come,"  cried  Constance,  seizing  my  hand. 

We  gained  the  street,  and  then,  O,  horrors  !  before  me  was  a 
small  mule,  with  a  lady's  saddle  on  its  back,  and  an  ugly-looking 
bull,  with  a  gentleman's  saddle  on  his  back,  and  the  only  bridle 
to  guide  tl\e  animal  was  a  string  through  his  nose. 

"  The  devil !  "  I  exclaimed,  in  English  ;  "  must  I  ride  that 
brute,  instead  of  a  horse?" 

Constance  looked  up  and  smiled  at  me  as  though  we  were  to 
have  such  a  fine  time  flirting,  while  mounted  on  the  back  of  a 
blasted  bull.  I  looked  at  the  handsome  face  of  the  lady,  ex- 
pecting to  see  some  token  of  the  fun  which  she  must  have  an- 


RIDING   A   BULL.  241 

ticipated,  in  case  I  was  disposed  to  remonstrate  against  mounting 
such  a  steed.  But  no  —  there  was  fun  enough  in  her  eyes,  but  it 
was  not  on  account  of  the  position  in  which  I  was  placed.  She 
anticipated  a  delightful  time  attempting  to  make  me  love  her  as 
dozens  had  done  before,  and  whose  hearts  she  did  not  value  as 
much  as  one  of  the  coarse  rings  which  she  wore  upon  her  finger. 
When  I  was  considering  if  it  was  not  best  suddenly  to  be  taken 
ill,  with  symptoms  of  fever  and  ague,  the  little  beauty  at  my  side 
said,  — 

"  Senor,  will  you  not  give  me  your  hand  ?  " 

"  Certainly  I  will,"  I  answered.  "  But,  Constance,  must  I 
ride  this  confounded  brute?  " 

"  Si,  senor,"  she  answered,  quite  composedly.  "  My  father's 
horse  died  a  year  or  more  ago,  and  he  has  not  been  able  to  replace 
it,  for  there  are  but  few  horses  on  the  island.  He  has  sent  to 
Manila  for  several,  but  the  saints  only  know  when  they  will 
arrive.  Since  the  loss  of  the  horse,  this  animal  has  been  used, 
and  there  is  no  doubt  but  you  will  find  him  very  gentle.  Keep  a 
light  rein,  and  use  your  spurs  when  he  is  obstinate.  But  come,  I 
will  show  you." 

Just  at  this  moment  a  native  passed  us  riding  a  cow,  and  I 
must  confess  that  I  watched  the  man  with  some  curiosity. 

"  Hold  .hard  by  the  string,"  cried  Constance  ;  and  I  followed 
her  advice,  until  the  native  and  his  novel  conveyance  were  out 
of  sight,  and  then  the  masculine  brute  grew  more  docile. 

"  Come,  senor,  the  afternoon  is  fast  disappearing.  If  you  are 
afraid  to  ride,  why,  I  will  return  to  the  house." 

Could  I  stand  such  a  taunt  as  that? 

I  lifted  the  lady  to  her  saddle  and  adjusted  her  dress,  and  then 
I  approached  my  gay  and  restive  steed,  and  contemplated  him 
with  feelings  of  remorse  ;  and  the  animal  saluted  me  with  a  bel- 
low and  a  scowl,  and  commenced  pawing  the  earth.  Constance 
struck  her  long-eared  mule,  and  shouted,  — 

u  Come,  senor  ;  overtake  me  if  you  can."  » 

I  made  a  dash  for  the  bull,  and  readied  his  back  somehow,  1 
don't  recollect  in  what  manner,  but  I  know  that  the  brute  dashed 
along  the  street  at  a  terrible  gallop,  and  that  after  I  had  gained 
my  seat  I  found  that  one  of  my  long  spurs  had  been  goading  the 
animal's  side,  and  caused  him  to  assume  a  pace  that  was  foreign 
16 


242  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

to  his  nature.  But  at  last  the  animal  slacked  his  speed,  and 
seemed  inclined  to  move  at  as  slow  a  pace  as  suited  his  fancy. 
I  rather  liked  it,  but  Constance  turned  her  head  and  saw- 
that  I  was  lagging  behind,  and  the  young  lady  did  not  seem 
pleased  at  my  want  of  gallantry.  She  turned  her  mule,  and  came 
towards  me. 

"  O,  senor,"  she  said,  "  if  you  desire  to  keep  up  with  me  you 
must  use  your  spurs.  Don't  be  afraid." 

"  Afraid  !  "  I  scorned  to  manifest  fear  in  the  presence  of  such 
a  handsome  lady. 

"  Come  on,"  I  cried,  and  struck  the  brute  I  was  riding  vigor- 
ous blows  with  my  armed  heels. 

With  a  plunge  and  a  fierce  bellow  the  bull  started,  and  I  saw 
at  once  that  I  had  made  a  sad  mistake.  I  retained  my  seat,  but 
it  was  only  by  clinging  to  the  saddle  with  one  hand  ;  and  as  I  live, 
Constance  saw  the  movement  and  laughed.  This  was  provoking, 
and  before  I  was  aware  of  it  I  hit  the  bull  two  more  violent  digs, 
and  then  he  was  furious.  With  a  roar  he  kicked  with  his  hind 
feet,  and  as  he  did  so  I  lost  all  control  of  him.  The  string,  which 
was  passed  through  his  nose,  slipped  from  my  hand,  and  then  I 
felt  that  I  should  soon  be  shipwrecked.  To  add  to  my  confusion 
Constance  laughed,  and  cried,  — 

"  Don't  lose  the  string." 

What  was  the  use  of  her  saying  that,  after  she  had  seen  that  I 
had  lost  it?  And  while  I  was  debating,  as  we  tore  along  the 
road,  the  propriety  of  cutting  clear  of  the  craft  and  letting  it  sail 
on  to  its  own  destruction,  the  animal  suddenly  left  the  road,  and 
charged  upon  a  group  of  natives.  Heavens,  how  they  scat- 
tered !  But  one  old  fellow,  who  appeared  to  be  troubled  with 
the  rheumatism,  did  not  move  quick  enough ;  so  the  bull  caught 
him  and  sent  him  flying  through  the  air,  and  when  he  struck  the 
earth,  his  loose,  flowing  trousers  were  badly  damaged ;  but  his 
lameness  was  cured  —  K>r  the  man  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  ran 
at  a  killing  pace  down  tlie  street. 

"  Hold  on  by  the  line,"  cried  Constance,  who  was  riding  after 
me ;  and  I  thought  I  heard  her  laughing  at  the  same  time  that 
she  was  giving  me  such  excellent  advice. 

It  was  very  easy  to  say,  "  Hold  on  by  the  line  ;  "  but  how  was 
it  to  be  done  ? 

Through  the  street  we  went  at  a  fearful  rate,  the  dust  flying  in 


THE  RUNAWAY  BULL.     Page  243: 


A   LUDICROUS   SCENE.  243 

clouds,  and  the  women  in  the  houses  yelling,  and  the  dogs,  sud- 
denly waking  up  to  the  fun  which  was  going  on,  followed  close 
to  the  heels  of  my  steed,  and  added  their  voices  to  the  general 
uproar. 

"  Stop  him,"  cried  one  man,  waving  a  blanket,  the  worst  thing 
he  could  have  done. 

The  bull  caught  sight  of  the  man  and  the  blanket.  He  thought 
a  challenge  was  intended,  and  was  ready  for  it.  He  made  a  lunge 
for  the  native,  and  the  latter  dropped  as  though  struck  by  light- 
ning. We  went  over  him,  and  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the 
blanket  on  the  horns  of  the  bull ;  but  it  was  only  for  a  moment. 
As  we  neared  the  governor's  house,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  noting 
that  his  excellency  and  suite  were  standing  in  the  garden,  witness- 
ing my  movements,  and  laughing  at  them.  I  thought  rny  steed 
would  stop  at  this  point,  but  he  was  still  fiery,  and  on  he  went, 
in  chase  of  a  woman  with  a  red  petticoat.  I  am  glad  to  say 
that  we  missed  her ;  but  it  was  a  close  shave,  very  close,  for  one 
of  the  brute's  horns  touched  the  sacred  garment  as  its  owner  went 
over  a  door-sill  in  so  quick  a  manner  that  it  seemed  to  me  she 
turned  a  front  somersault,  and  struck  on  her  back  when  she 
fell.  At  this  moment  the  native,  whom  I  had  seen  riding  on  a 
cow,  came  round  a  corner  at  a  gentle  trot,  not  dreaming  of 
danger.  In  an  instant  we  were  in  full  chase,  and  although  the 
native  used  whip  and  spur,  we  gained  on  him.  I  heard  Con- 
stance scream,  and  caught  sight  of  her,  holding  by  her  saddle, 
and  laughing  until  the  tears  ran  down  her  handsome  face. 

"  Go  it,  captain,"  she  shouted  ;  "  you  will  catch  him,  if  you  are 
smart." 

The  next  instant  the  native  was  lying  in  the  dust,  and  using 
the  whole  range  of  Spanish  language  to  damn  me  and  the  bull. 
For  a  moment  there  was  a  pause,  and  that  moment  was  improved. 
I  bent  forward,  seized  the  rope  that  was  attached  to  the  animal's 
nose,  and  with  a  strong  jerk  I  let  the  beast  know  that  I  was  once 
more  master. 

"  0,  what  a  splendid  horseman  !  "  laughed  Constance,  joining 
me,  her  eyes  expressive  of  the  pleasure  she  felt.  "  Come,  senor, 
shall  we  have  another  gallop  ?  " 

"  I  don't  think  we  will,"  was  my  answer.  "  To  tell  you  tho 
truth,  I  imagine  we  had  better  walk  our  animals.  They  seem 
somewhat  tired." 


244  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

So  she  consented  to  my  request",  and  we  walked  our  gay  steeds 
through  the  main  street,  and  beyond  the  village  ;  but  we  could  not 
go  far,  as  the  sun  had  set,  and  darkness  was  rapidly  approaching. 
On  rertuning  to  her  father's  house,  we  found  the  governor  and  his 
suite  smoking,  and  discussing  matters  which  I  cared  nothing  about. 

"  Senor,  did  you  have  a  pleasant  ride  ?  "  asked  the  governor, 
who  was  too  polite  to  allude  to  my  misfortunes. 

44  O,  remarkably  pleasant,"  I  answered. 

"  Ah,  I  thought  you  would ;  "  and  the  governor  puffed  out  a 
volume  of  smoke,  and  then  said,  — 

"  The  wine  has  arrived,  senor.  I  owe  you  many  thanks  for 
the  same." 

I  bowed,  and  would  have  made  some  fitting  answer ;  but  at 
that  moment  a  woman  entered  the  room,  and  cried, — 

44 1  want  justice  at  your  hands,  governor." 

44  You  shall  have  it.     Speak." 

44  This  man- and  his  bull,"  she  said>  pointing  to  me,  44  were  the 
means  of  injuring  my  head.  I  fear  a  brain  fever." 

I  recognized  the  woman  as  the  one  who  turned  a  somersault 
over  her  door-sill. 

44  It  was  not  the  senor' s  fault,"  his  excellency  said. 

"  It  was,  senor.     He  did  it  on  purpose.'1 

The  governor  looked  a  little  puzzled. 

44  How  much  are  you  damaged?  "  I  asked. 

44  Well,  senor,  about  two  reals  worth,  I  think." 

I  gave  her  a  quarter,  and  off  she  went,  perfectly  satisfied ;  but 
no  sooner  had  she  left  the  house  than  a  man  entered,  and  to  my 
dismay  I  recognized  him  as  the  fellow  who  had  waved  a  blanket, 
and  escaped  a  horn  only  by  the  aid  of  his  legs. 

44  Justice,  your  excellency,"  the  fellow  said. 

44  Well,  speak.     What  is  wanting?" 

44  My  blanket  is  ruined.  This  man  and  his  bull  injured  it.  I 
want  pay.  I  barely  escaped  with  my  life." 

The  governor  stroked  his  mustaches,  and  looked  grave.  He  did 
not  want  to  offend  his  guest,  or  lose  popularity  with  the  people. 

44  What  is  the  amount  of  damage?  "  I  asked. 

*'  I  think,  senor,"  he  said,  u  that  I  should  have  as  much  as  the 
woman." 

44  Take  it  and  go ; "  and  the  fellow's  dark  fingers  closed 
upon  a  piece  of  silver.  4'  I  hope  he  is  the  last  claimant,"  I 


BILLS    FOR   DAMAGES.  245 

muttered ;  but  hardly  had  the  words  escaped  my  lips,  when  a  tall, 
dust-covered  fellow  entered  the  room,  and  as  soon  a_s  I  saw  his 
face,  I  knew  there  was  more  trouble  for  me.  The  last  time  I  had 
seen  that  countenance  it  was  lying  in  the  dust,  and  a  rampant  bull 
was  passing  over  it. 

"  Justice,  senor  governor,"  cried  the  fellow,  who  seemed  more 
excited  than  his  predecessors. 

"  Well,  well,  what  now  ?     Speak.     Who  has  harmed  you  ?  " 

•"  The  senor  who  rode  the  bull,  governor.  This  man ;  "  and 
the  fellow  pointed  to  me,  and  as  he  did  so  I  heard  Constance 
laugh. 

"  Caramba  !  "  exclaimed  the  governor  ;  "  will  they  never  cease 
coming?"  and  the  poor  man  looked  troubled  in  mind.  "What 
injury  did  you  receive?  "  the  governor  asked  of  the  applicant  for 
justice. 

u  Ah,  senor,  look  at  me,"  was  the  reply.  I  believe  the  fel- 
low did  throw  dust  upon  his  person  expressly  for  the  purpose  of 
appearing  as  dirty  as  possible. 

"  How  much  do  you  estimate  your  damage  ?"  asked  the  governor. 

"  Ah,  it  is  not  my  own  feelings,  senor,  that  I  care  about,"  re- 
plied the  man,  with  a  doleful  look. 

"Whose,  then?" 

"  My  cow's,"  was  the  answer. 

Of  course  Constance  would  laugh  at  that.  It  was  just  like  her ; 
and  even  Wilson,  the  pilot,  had  to  roar,  while  the  governor  looked 
perplexed. 

"  Is  your  cow  injured?  "  I  asked. 

"No,  senor,  but  she  was  frightened,  and  I  should  have  damages." 

"  I  think  the  demand  just,"  cried  Constance ;  and  then  she 
laughed,  and  even  had  the  impudence  to  lay  one  of  her  small 
hands  upon  my  arm,  and  press  it,  as  though  to  impart  some  por- 
tion of  her  glee  to  me. 

"  What  is  the  amount  of  the  joint  claim?"  I  demanded. 

"  Four  reals,  senor,  are  none  too  much,"  the  applicant  said, 
with  a  whine. 

"  Cheap  enough,"  cried  Constance. 

I  thought  so,  too,  and  paid  the  money  without  a  murmur. 
The  sight  of  the  silver  brought  a  smile  to  the  sharp  face  of  the 
Dative,  and  as  he  prepared  to  leave  the  room,  he  turned  to  me, 
and  said,  — 


246  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  If  the  senor  wants  to  hire  my  cow  for  an  excursion,  or  to 
visit  the  bay,  I  can  recommend  her  as  a  gentle  beast,  and  one  that 
won't  run  away  with  the  senor." 

This  was  the  hardest  blow  I  had  yet  received. 

At  nine  o'clock  we  had  coffee,  bread,  and  cake,  and  after 
having  eaten  what  we  desired,  the  governor  opened  the  basket 
of  champagne,  and  put  two  bottles  upon  the  table.  I  am  glad, 
for  my  own  reputation,  to  state  that  the  wine  was  good,  and  that 
Constance  took  her  share  without  a  murmur.  It  only  made  her 
more  talkative  and  merry,  and  even  the  lips  of  her  prudish  aunt 
were  opened,  and  I  found  that  she  could  say  a  few  words  when 
there  was  an  opportunity.  At  eleven  o'clock  the  ladies  retired  to 
rest ;  Wilson  went  home,  the  chief  of  staff  stowed  himself  away 
somewhere,  and  the  secretary  of  state  stretched  his  form  on  a 
table.  I  looked  around  to  see  where  I  was  to  rest  for  the  night, 
and  the  governor  pointed  to  the  only  spare  lounge  in  the  room. 

"  We  keep  that,"  he  said,  "  for  visitors.  May  you  sleep  in 
peace.  Good  night ;  "  and  Don  Oroto  left  me  for  his  chamber, 
if  he  had  one. 

I  looked  at  the  secretary  of  state,  and  that  officer  looked  at  me, 
and  puffed  away  at  his  cigar  quite  at  his  leisure.  The  gentle- 
man had  taken  off  his  coat,  and  loosened. the  collar  of  his  shirt. 
Over  a  pair  of  very  dark  feet  he  had  spread  a  blanket ;  but  his  toes 
were  in  sight,  and  continually  working  as  though  longing  to  kick 
some  one.  The  senor  was  not  a  pleasant-looking  gentleman  for 
a  room-mate,  but  I  saw  no  way  in  which  I  could  change  him  ;  so 
I  resigned  myself  to  my  fate,  and  took  the  position  assigned  me 
for  the  night. 

u  Seuor,"  cried  the  official,  u  does  snoring  disturb  you?" 

Politeness  compelled  me  to  answer  that  it  did  not. 

"  Ah,  I  am  glad  of  that,  for  I  snore.  At  least,  those  who 
sleep  in  the  same  room  with  me  say  that  I  do  ;  "  and  the  Spaniard 
puffed  his  cigar  with  great  complacency  and  satisfaction,  as  though 
he  felt  proud  of  his  accomplishments. 

Hardly  had  I  settled  my  head  when  I  heard  a  sound  like  the 
blast  of  a  trumpet.  The  secretary  had  commenced  snoring  as 
though  he  intended  to  make  a  night  of  it.  For  a  while  I  sub- 
mitted to  it,  and  then,  growing  desperate,  I  hurled  one  of  my 
shoes  at  the  head  of  the  official ;  but,  unfortunately,  my  aim  was 
not  good,  and  it  struck  the  light,  and  over  it  went,  and  I  was  left 
in  darkness. 


A   TROPICAL    MORNING.  247 

Finally  I  dropped  to  sleep,  and  when  I  awoke  I  found  my  room- 
mate sitting  up  on  the  table,  smoking,  and  looking  at  me  very 
placidly.  It  was  daylight,  and  near  at  hand  were  two  cups  of 
coffee,  which  some  of  the  servants  had  brought  us. 

"  Good  morning,  senor,"  cried  my  room-mate.  "  Did  you  rest 
well?" 

"  Yes  ;  quite  well." 

"  My  snoring  did  not  disturb  you,  senor  ?  " 

"  Not  much." 

"  I  am  glad  of  it.  I  think  I  must  be  improving.  I  hope  so, 
for  if  I  should  marry,  my  wife  would  have  but  little  rest.  It  is  a 
disease,  senor  —  a  disease." 

I  did  not  feel  much  refreshed  by  my  sleep,  but  I  rolled  up  the 
blanket  which  I  had  spread  over  ine,  and  then  looked  around  for 
water  to  perform  my  ablutions. 

"  What  is  wanting?  "  asked  my  room-mate. 

"  Water,"  I  answered. 

The  secretary  shrugged  his  shoulders. 

"You  must  go  to  the  river,"  he  said.  "  I  will  go  with  you 
after  we  have  drank  our  coffee." 

He  whistled,  and  a  naked  little  native  came  to  the  door.  My 
room-mate  gave  some  Border,  and  the  lad  vanished,  after  one 
glance  at  my  face,  as  though  it  were  a  curiosity ;  and  I  have  no 
doubt  that  it  was.  Then  we  drank  the  coffee,  and  left  the  house 
for  the  river.  The  governor  had  not  arisen  from  his  couch,  I 
judged,  for  we  saw  nothing  of  him ;  and  the  ladies  were  taking 
their  morning  nap,  for  they  had  not  made  their  appearance  when 
we  quitted  the  reception-room. 

The  morning  was  as  lovely  as  a  tropical  morning  could  be.  The 
mountains  were  bathed  in  dew,  and  as  the  sun  rose,  its  beams 
touched  the  grass,  and  gilded  each  blade  until  it  glittered  like  dia- 
monds. Tiie  air  was  pure  and  refreshingly  cool ;  and  to  enjoy 
it,  the  Whole  population  of  the  village  was  out  on  the  sidewalks, 
some  smoking,  and  others  disfiguring  their  mouths  and  teeth  with 
chewing  the  betel  nut,  which  appears  to  act  on  the  system  with 
the  same  exhilarating  effects  as  tobacco.  But  it  destroys  the 
teeth  in  the  course  of  time,  rendering  them  black  and  brittle. 
Most  of  the  men  at  the  Ladrone  Islands  use  the  nut ;  consequently 
a  good  set  of  teeth  is  rarely  seen. 

As  we  passed  through  the  streets,  I  saw  that  we  attracted  much 


248  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

attention  from  the  people,  and  I  felt  quite  proud  of  the  notice,  un 
,  til  I  heard  one  woman  say,  — 

"That  is  the  man  who  rode  the  bull,  and  nearly  killed  Maguel." 

"Yes,"  cried  another ;  "  but  the  senor  paid  like  a  prince  for  it. 
He  may  run  over  me  for  two  reals." 

I  did  not  walk  so  proudly  after  that.  I  felt  that  I  was  a  marked 
jnan,  and  that  modesty  should  be  my  forte  until  I  left  the  island. 

But  at  length  we  reached  the  river,  and  I  think  half  the  popu- 
lation of  the  village  were  in  it.  Men,  women,  and  children  were 
there,  swimming,  diving,  and  washing;  and  a  very  jolly  looking 
set  they  were,  shouting  and  laughing,  and  splashing  the  water, 
and  sometimes  ducking  each  other,  so  that  for  awhile  it  reminded 
me  of  the  lake  at  Kammaira.  But  I  missed  the  fine  forms  and 
white  teeth  of  the  kanaka  girls,  and  there  was  not  the  same  grace 
in  swimming.  But  the  women  and  girls  of  St.  Ignazio  de  Agana 
were  not  to  be  despised  for  their  water  exhibitions,  and  while  I 
stood  upon  the  banks  of  the  river,  I  saw  some  very  good  speci- 
mens of  their  skill. 

u  Come,"  said  my  companion,  u  if  you  want  to  wash,  now  is 
your  chance.  This  is  the  public  bathing-tub.  Here  you  can  fiud 
water  in  abundance." 

I  looked  around,  and  though  I  liked  the  idea  of  having  a  bath, 
I  did  not  feel  as  though  I  could  swim  in  such  a  crowd  without 
a  proper  bathing-dress  ;  and  when  I  intimated  as  much  to  the 
secretary  of  state,  he  seemed  to  comprehend  my  delicacy  at  once, 
and  led  the  way  to  a  small  house,  where  we  found  a  little  native 
boy  with  his  arms  full  of  towels,  and  two  suits  of  bathing-dresses. 
The  latter  we  put  on,  and  then  plunged  into  the  river,  many  of 
the  girls  swimming  near  us  for  the  purpose  of  witnessing  the 
efforts  of  the  American  in  the  water.  But,  thanks  to  the  lessons 
which  I  had  received  at  Honolulu,  there  was  not  one  who  dared 
to  play  me  a  trick,  although  I  was  ambitious  of  a  little  fun,  and 
swam  near  several  girls  in  hopes  they  would  attempt  some  famil- 
iarity. But  the  bright-eyed  nymphs  only  laughed  and  edged 
away  from  me,  and  refused  to  commence  a  battle,  although  I  did 
spatter  them  with  water  until  they  were  compelled  to  turn  their 
heads  and  make  for  the  shore. 

At  last  I  tired  of  the  sport,  when  I  joined  my  companion  and 
dressed.  Then,  refreshed  and  contented,  we  returned  to  the  gov- 
ernor's house,  where  we  found  Don  Oroto  sipping  coffee,  and  wa 


ASTONISHING   NEWS.  249 

soon  joined  him  in  that  occupation,  and  while  we  were  chatting 
of  the  morning  news,  the  two  ladies  made  their  appearance,  and, 
strange  to  say,  both  of  their  toilefs  seemed  to  have  been  neg- 
lected. Constance  appeared  to  have  just  left  her  bed,  and  her 
thick  black  hair  had  not  been  touched  by  comb  or  brush.  It 
hung  around  her  plump  shoulders  in  admirable  disorder,  and  after 
the  first  glance  of  astonishment,  I  could  not  help  confessing 
that  the  young  lady  looked  as  pretty,  if  not  prettier,  than  when 
her  toilet  was  complete.  She  wore  a  different  dress  from  the  one 
in  which  she  had  appeared  at  dinner  table  the  day  before.  It  was 
shorter,  and  showed  —  O,  gracious  !  —  two  of  the  smallest,  most 
perfect  formed  feet  that  I  had  ever  seen.  And  they  were  naked, 
too,  the  soles  of  the  feet  being  protected  by  sandals,  with  cover- 
ings at  the  ends  just  large  enough  to  contain  two  toes.  How  she 
managed  to  keep  them  on  while  walking  was  a  puzzle  to  me ; 
yet  she  did  do  it,  and  moved  about  the  room  in  a  free,  swinging, 
graceful  manner,  that  was  quite  fascinating. 

u  Senor,"  asked  Constance,  as  she  lighted  a  paper  cigar,  and 
brushed  the  hair  from  her  eyes,  "  do  you  feel  like  riding  to-day?" 

"  The  saints  forbid  !  "  I  exclaimed.  u  I  have  no  desire  to  pay 
damages  to  half  the  inhabitants  of  the  town.  I  had  much  rather 
have  an  excursion  on  the  water." 

Just  at  this  moment,  whom  should  I  see  rolling  towards  the 
house,  piloted  by  two  natives,  but  Jack  Topmall,  the  mate  of  the 
Helen.  "  What  brought  him  to  town,"  I  asked  myself.  "  Some- 
thing unusual  has  happened ;  "  and  leaving  the  ladies  to  quarrel, 
I  went  out  to  Jack. 

"  What  brings  you  here?  "  I  asked.  "  You  have  news  of  im- 
portance for  me." 

u  Hang  me  if  I  hain't,"  was  the  answer,  "  and  blasted  bad  news, 
loo." 

"  What  is  it?  Speak,  man,  and  let  me  know  the  worst.  Is 
Lilly  —  " 

"The  gal  is  well  enough,  although  a  little  moping.  'Taiu't 
her,  but  the  —  " 

"  What,  man?    Out  with  it." 

"  Well,  sir,  the  cussed  old  whaling  tub  Sally  is  in  port,  and 
anchored  within  a  cable's  length  of  us." 

The  very  whaler  we  had  escaped  from  !  This  was  news  of  im- 
portance, and  for  a  moment  I  was  stuimed  by  it. 


250  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

AN  AWKWARD   POSITION.  — THE  OLD  SALLY.  —  A  PLAN  TO  ESCAPE 
DETECTION. 

WHAT  should  I  do  ?  If  the  Sally  was  in  port  I  could  not  avoid 
meeting  Captain  Bunker,  and  of  course  he  would  know  me,  and 
claim  me  as  a  deserter.  I  could  not  get  under  way  and  sail  for 
some  other  port,  for  I  had  made  a  contract,  and  in  a  day  or  two 
the  articles  which  I  had  bargained  for  would  be  alongside,  and  in 
a  week's  time  I  must  be  off  for  San  Francisco.  Even  while  these 
thoughts  were  passing  through  my  mind,  Jack  asked,  — 

"  What  shall  we  do,  sir?     Must  we  slip  cable,  and  run  for  it?" 

u  No,  I  think  not.  At  least  not  at  present.  But  before  I  de- 
cide, answer  me  one  question.  Has  any  one  on  board  the  Sally 
seen  you,  or  Will,  or  Jake?" 

"  No,  sir.  We  laid  low  just  as  soon  as  the  Sally  anchored. 
We  didn't  show  a  hand,  and  if  a  boat  had  boarded  us,  we  should 
have  stowed  away,  and  left  the  kanakas  to  take  care  of  the 
schooner." 

"  Excellent !  "  I  exclaimed.  "  I  have  formed  my  plan,  and 
will  carry  it  out." 

"  That's  the  talk,"  cried  the  mate,  his  face  manifesting  some 
pleasure,  for  he  had  great  reliance  in  me.  "  I  knowed  you 
would  fix  'em  —  I  told  Will  and  Jake  so." 

"  Thank  you  for  your  confidence  in  my  ability,  but  recollect 
that  much  will  depend  upon  you  and  Will.  You  must  remain  in 
your  state-rooms  until  we  sail.  On  no  account  will  you  be  seen 
on  deck,  unless  it  is  in  the  night  time." 

This  information  made  the  mate  look  doleful. 

"  That's  hard,"  he  said. 

"  Not  so  hard  as  to  be  compelled  to  do  duty  on  board  the  Sally 
—  recollect  that,  and  profit  by  it.  You  must  lock  yourself  up  in 
your  state-room,  and  keep  quiet  all  day,  but  you  can  stay  on  deck 
all  n^ght  if  you  please." 


A  WOMAN'S  EYES.  251 

"  But  that  Jake  —  what's  to  be  done  with  him  ?  "  asked  Jack, 
after  a  moment's  reflection. 

"  We  must  disguise  him,"  I  answered. 

"  But  how,  sir?  He's  a  darky,  and  we  can't  paint  him  white, 
you  know." 

"  I'll  attend  to  him  when  I  go  on  board.  We  must  make  a 
kanaka  of  him." 

The  mate  grinned,  and  shook  his  head  in  a  doubtful  manner. 
"  That  wool  of  his  is  too  kinky  for  a  kanaka,  sir,"  the  mate  re- 
marked. "  But  I  wish  you  was  on  board,  sir ;  I  should  feel 
safer." 

Mr.  Topmall  had  arrived  in  the  schooner's  boat,  manned  by 
•four  of  the  kanakas,  and  in  an  hour's  time  I  could  be  on  board. 
I  left  the  mate,  and  entered  the  reception-room  to  take  leave  of  the 
governor  and  his  family,  and  to  beg  that  they  would  excuse  me 
for  a  day  pr  two. 

"  Leave  us?  "  cried  Constance  ;  "  we  shall  no«t  let  you  go." 

"  I  am.  fearful  that  your  visit  has  not  been  pleasant,"  the  gov- 
ernor remarked.  "  We  have  but  few  pleasures  here,  but  we  should 
have  attempted  to  make  your  stay  agreeable." 

u  O,  don't  go  !  "  pleaded  Constance,  flashing  her  beautiful  black 
eyes  upon  me  ;  and  I  must  confess  they  rather  staggered  me  in  my 
intention. 

u  Business  alone  calls  me  to  the  vessel,"  I  remarked.  "  I  shall 
soon  return,  however.  But,  in  consideration  of  your  hospitality, 
I  invite  you  all  to  visit  my  vessel  to-morrow,  and  dine  with 
me." 

"  O,  that  will  be  pleasant,"  cried  Constance,  clapping  her 
hands.  "  We  will  go  —  will  we  not,  padre?  " 

The  governor  pondered  for  a  moment,  but  as  I  urged  my  invita- 
tion, he  consented,  and  promised  to  visit  me,  with  his  family,  the 
next  day ;  and  then,  after  a  general  shaking  of  hands,  and  an  ar- 
dent look  from  the  young  lady,  I  left  the  house  and  hurried  to  the 
boat. 

I  had  just  ordered  the  men  to  u  shove  off,"  when  four  or  five 
natives,  with  large  hampers  on  their  heads,  were  seen  running  to- 
wards us,  and  shouting  to  attract  our  attention.  I  waited  until 
the  men  reached  the  landing,  and  found  that  thev^  carried  packages 
of  oranges,  bananas,  and  a  basket  of  eggs,  all  of  which,  the  na- 
tives informed  me,  were  sent  by  the  senorita  Constance,  with  her 


252  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

best  wishes  for  my  health  and  prosperity.  I  sent  back  a  kind 
message,  and  then  we  started  down  the  river,  but  had  not  pro- 
ceeded more  than  a  mile,  when  I  saw  one  of  the  Sally's  boats 
coming  towards  us.  The  mate  grew  agitated  immediately,  and  I 
could  see  that  he  meditated  jumping  overboard,  and  testing  the 
efficacy  of  swimming  and  running. 

"  What  shall  I  do,  sir?"  he  asked.  "  The  rascals  will  know 
me." 

"  Lie  down  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  don't  show  your  head 
over  the  gunwale.  Now,  then  —  down  you  go." 

My  kanakas  looked  their  surprise  and  grinned,  but  they  said 
not  a  word.  In  a  few  minutes  the  Sally's  boat  was  so  near  that 
I  could  see  Captain  Bunker  in  the  stern-sheets,  working  at  the 
steering-oar ;  and  the  sight  of  the  tyrant  caused  me  to  feel  a  thrill 
at  my  heart  as  I  thought  of  the  cruelties  which  the  man  had 
practised  on  board  his  ship  while  I  was  a  member  of  his  crew. 
But  with  a  powerful  effort  I  recovered  my  presence  of  mind.  As 
our  boats  neared  each  other  I  touched  my  hat  —  an  act  of  polite- 
ness not  noticed,  for  Bunker  suddenly  shouted,  — 

"  Way  enough  !     Hold  water  !  " 

The  men  obeyed  him. 

"  Thunder ! "  the  captain  shouted,  glaring  at  me  in  astonish- 
ment, "  if  there  ain't  Pepper,  may  I  be  blasted." 

"  Did  you  speak  to  me,  sir?"  I  asked,  as  calm  as  a  summer 
morning,  to  all  outward  appearances. 

"  Pepper,  by  all  that's  merciful !  "  the  captain  yelled ;  and  I 
thought  that  the  words  would  strangle  him,  and  I  wished  they 
had. 

My  boat  was  slowly  passing  the  whaler,  and  I  hoped  that  I 
should  proceed  without  more  words  ;  but  Bunker  was  not  disposed 
to  let  me  off  in  that  manner. 

"  Back  water,"  he  said  to  his  crew ;  and  as  he  spoke  I  cast  a 
glance  over  the  men,  and  saw  that  four  of  them  were  sailors  who 
knew  me  when  I  was  on  board  the  Sally. 

"  Did  you  desire  'to  see  me,  sir?  "  I  asked. 

"  See  you  ?  "  roared  Bunker.     "  Well,  I'm  blasted  !  " 

"  Hadn't  I  better  go  overboard,  sir  ? "  asked  Jack,  who  was 
lying  at  my  feet,  almost  smothered  in  oranges  and  bananas.  The 
sound  of  Bunker's  voice  caused  the  strong  man  to  tremble,  and 
to  seek  for  an  opportunity  to  escape, 


A  MEETING  OF  OLD  ACQUAINTANCES.  253 

'*  Keep  quiet,"    I  whispered,  "  or  you  will  spoil  all  my  plans." 

In  the  mean  time  Bunker  was  glaring  at  me,  and  uncertain 
what  to  do,  and  undecided  what  to  say. 

"  Do  you  belong  to  the  ship  in  the.  harbor  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  "Well,  I  swear,  this  beats  all ;  "  and  Bunker  made  a  clutch  at 
his  hair,  and  tore  some  of  it  out  of  his  head,  and  then  stamped 
upon  it. 

"  I  asked  you  a  civil  question,  and  you  are  not  disposed  to 
answer  it,"  I  said,  quite  coldly.  "  Good  day,  sir." 

u  Stop  !  "  roared  Bunker.  "  Back  water,"  he  cried  to  his  men  ; 
and  the  whale-boat  dropped  down  the  stream,  side  by  side  with 
my  boat,  only  separated  by  the  oars. 

u  Hadn't  I  better  jump  and  cut  for  it?"  whispered  the  mate, 
from  amidst  the  hampers. 

I  kicked  him  gently,  to  remind  him  that  it  was  necessary  he 
should  keep  quiet,  and  then  I  turned  my  attention  to  Captain 
Bunker. 

"  Have  you  a  message  for  me?  "  I  asked.  "  You  seem  to  be 
somewhat  excited,  but  I  hope  no  harm  has  befallen  my  vessel." 

O,  how  the  man  did  roar  and  stamp  !  and  I  expected  every 
moment  that  he  would  run  alongside  of  my  boat  and  attempt  to 
make  me  prisoner  ;  but  if  he  had,  it  would  have  cost  him  dear,  for 
I  had  my  revolver  in  my  breast  pocket,  and  the  six  chambers 
were  loaded. 

"  One  questions"  asked  the  captain :  "  is  your  name  Charles 
Allspice?" 

"  I  should  think  not,"  I  answered,  with  a  look  of  such  indiffer- 
ence that  the  whaler  was  staggered. 

"  What  is  your  name?  "  Bunker  roared. 

"  None  of  your  business,  sir,"  was  my  reply.  "  "When  you 
ask  me  my  name  in  a  proper  manner,  I  will  answer  you.  Not 
until  tReu." 

"  Draw  it  mild,"  whispered  Jack.  "  You  know  what  a  man 
he  is  for  tearing  things." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  say  that  you  never  shipped  on  board  the 
Sally?"  roared  Bunker. 

"  Look  yon,  sir,"  I  answered  ;  "  I  have  endured  this  question- 
ing as  long  as  possible,  thinking  that  you  might  have  some 
news  to  communicate.  I  find  that  your  object  is  to  insult  me, 
and  J'tq  not  inclined  to  submit  to  it  without  first  asking  if  you  are 


254  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

disposed  to  grant  me  such  satisfaction  as  one  gentleman  can  ask 
from  another." 

"  My  God,  it  can't  be  Pepper  !  "  Bunker  exclaimed,  in  a  hoarse 
tone.  "  Pepper  would  not  dare  to  talk  to  me  in  that  manner. 
Pepper  was  a  civil  boy,  and  polite  to  his  superior  officers." 

Bunker  passed  his  hand  over  his  eyes,  and  then  looked  at  me 
and  at  his  boat's  crew.  , 

"  Is  that  Pepper?"  he  asked,  appealing  to  his  men,  and  point- 
ing to  me. 

"  I  think  it  is,"  one  of  them  answered. 

"  He  looks  some  like  Pepper,  sir ;  but  Pepper  wasn't  so  good 
looking,  and  his  hair  didn't  curl  like  this  man's,"  answered 
Bushey,  the  boat-steerer. 

"  If  you  have  finished  your  examination,  I  will  proceed,"  I  re- 
marked. 

"  One  moment,  sir,"  Bunker  cried.     "  Don't  you  know  me?  " 

"  I  should  think  not.    Who  are  you,  aud  what  is  your  name?" 

"  O,  my  God,  this  is  too  much  !  "  roared  the  frantic  captain. 

"  Gently  with  him  when  he  pitches,"  whispered  Jack,  who  was 
nearly  smothered  under  the  Weight  of  oranges  and  other  fruit. 

"  Good  day,  sir,"  I  cried.  "  If  you  wish  to  see  me,  call  on 
board  the  Helen.  She  is  lying  in  the  harbor." 

"  I'll  have  you  on  board  the  Sally,  in  double  irons,  in  less  than 
forty-eight  hours,"  Bunker  howled.  "  You  see  if  I  don't." 

"  You  must  be  insane,"  I  answered.  "  Go  and  have  your  head 
shaved,  and  a  mustard  poultice  put  on  your  neck.  Such  men  as 
you  are  dangerous  to  the  community." 

"  Easy  with  him,"  cried  Jack.  "  Remember  how  he'd  work 
our  old  iron  up,  if  we  was  on  board  his  blubber-hunter." 

I  gave  a  signal  to  the  men,  and  they  dipped  their  oars  in  the 
water,  and  we  commenced  moving  down  the  river  at  a  rapid  rate, 
while  Bunker,  mad  with  rage,  and  undecided  what  to  do,  tore  his 
hair,  and  swore  at  a  terrible  rate.  Jack,  as  soon  as  we  were  out 
of  sight  of  the  whale-boat,  raised  his  head  and  looked  around. 

"  I'd  sooner  cut  one  of  my  hands  off,  than  go  on  board  of  that 
tub  agin,"  the  mate  said. 

At  the  mouth  of  the  river,  the  mate  once  more  sought 
the  bottom  of  the  boat,  for  fear  that  prying  eyes  on  board  the 
Sally  should  obtain  a  glimpse  of  his  well-known  face,  and  it  was 
well  that  he  did  so,  for  I  saw  a  dozen  people  on  the  deck  of  the 


FRIGHTENED    SAILORS.  255 


ship,  gazing  at  the  boat  and  those  in  it.  As  I  passed  under  the 
bows  of  the  Sally,  I  saw  many  familiar  faces,  and  marked  the 
looks  of  astonishment  with  which  they  regarded  me.  I  gave  no 
sign  that  I  had  seen  the  ship  or  men  before,  and  in  a  few  minutes 
was  alongside  the  Helen,  and  on  deck,  where  I  met  Lilly,  who 
could  hardly  be  persuaded  that  it  was  not  her  duty  to  throw  her 
arms  around  my  neck,  and  kiss  me  in  the  presence  of  all  the 
kanakas,  none  of  whom  suspected  that  Lilly  was  a  female,  or, 
if  they  did,  they  were  careful  not  to  express  their  thoughts  in 
words  or  looks. 

"  O,  I  am  so  glad  that  you  have  returned ! "  Lilly  said ;  "  I 
have  been  so  lonely  without  you !  " 

I  had  no  doubt  of  it,  for  the  look  of  the  girl  was  sufficient  to 
convince  me  that  she  spoke  the  truth. 

"  Where  are  Will  and  Jake?"  I  asked. 

"  In  the  hold,"  Lilly  answered. 

"  What  are  they  doing  there  ?  " 

"  They  are  afraid  of  the  ship.     They  said  they  were." 

I  went  to  the  hatch,  and  called  Will  and  Jake,  but  I  was  com- 
pelled to  speak  several  times  before  I  made  myself  heard.  At 
last  a  miserable-looking  negro  came  to  the  scuttle  and  answered. 

"  Glory  to  God,"  Jake  cried,  as  soon  as  he  saw  me.  "  De 
cap'n  come  on  board  agin.  Now  we  is  safe,  sure  enuf." 

"What  is  the  matter  with  you?"  I  asked,  as  Will  and  Jake 
came  on  deck,  looking  pale  and  anxious. 

"O,  golly  !  ain't  dat  enough,  sir?  Jist  you  look  at  dat  blubber- 
hunter,  and  s'pose  de  skipper  come  arter  me.  Must  1  go  ?  " 

"  Of  course,"  I  replied,  for  the  purpose  of  noting  the  man's 
fright. 

"  O,  golly  !  don't  you  talk  dat  way,  cap'n.  It  breaks  my  heart 
to  hear  you,"  moaned  Jake.  u  I  can't  leave  you.  It  am  no  use. 
I'd  die  away  from  you." 

"  I'd  hang  myself  afore  I'd  go,"  cried  Will.  "  I  might  as  well 
die  one  way  as  another ;  "  and  the  lad  did  look  desperate. 

u  There  is  but  one  way  that  I  can  save  you,"  I  said  to  Jake. 

"  Name  'em,  cap'n ;  I  takes  dat  chance  ;  "  and  the  negro's  eyes 
expressed  hope. 

"  And  what  am  I  to  do?  "  asked  Will. 

"  Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you.  You  must  confine  yourself  to  a 
state-room,  and  on  no  account  show  yourself  while  we  are  in  port." 


256  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Golly  !  I  can't  do  dat,  cap'n,"  cried  Jake.  u  You  starve  to 
death.  I  must  hab  de  air  and  de  light.  Who  take  care  of  de 
cabin,  if  I  don't  work?" 

u  But  I  intend  that  you  shall  work,  Jake.  I  can't  spare  you. 
But  to  enable  you  to  appear  on  deck,  you  must  pretend  to  be  a 
kanaka." 

u  Can't  do  daV,"  cried  Jake.  "  My  lips  too  thick  for  dat. 
Color  too  brack  for  kanaka." 

u  Then  you  must  pass  as  a  New  Zealander ;  and  if  any  one 
speaks  to  you,  don't  understand." 

'*  But  de  New  Zealander's  all  tattooed  on  de  face.     How  about  % 
dat?" 

u  Well,  we  must  tattoo  you." 

"  O,  goliy !  don't  do  dat.  Don't  spoil  de  beauty  of  dis  face. 
See  my  skin,  all  fair  and  sleek  ;  and  if  it  all  marked  up,  who  ad- 
mire dis  nigger  den  ?  " 

"  You  must  either  lose  your  beauty  or  your  liberty.  Which  do 
you  prefer  ?  " 

Jake  hesitated  for  a  moment,  and  then  he  thought  that  it  would 
be  better  if  his  face  was  marked  a  little  —  "  berry  leetle."  I 
called  one  of  the  kanakas,  —  a  fellow  celebrated  for  his  skill  in 
tattooing,  —  and  told  him  to  bring  up  his  instruments,  and  com- 
mence operations  on  Jake's  face.  The  negro  groaned,  and  vowed 
that  no  man  was  ever  treated  so  badly  ;  and  after  I  had  frightened 
him  a  little,  I  let  him  into  the  secret  of  my  plans.  The  kanaka 
was  to  draw  some  fierce-looking  lines  upon  the  face  of  the  negro, 
and  after  they  were  dry,  they  would  resemble  genuine  tattoo 
marks.  I  calculated  that  none  but  a  close  observer  of  the  human 
race  could  detect  the  difference  between  the  negro  and  a  New 
Zealander,  especially  if  the  former  kept  his  tongue  still,  or  else 
muttered  a  few  words  in  the  kanaka  lingo.  My  idea  pleased 
Jake  immensely,  and  his  mouth  expanded  from  ear  to  ear,  as  he 
thought  of  the  fierce  aspect  which  he  should  assume. 

u  But,  cap'n,"  cried  Jake,  "  ef  I  wash  my  face  de  marks  all  go." 

"  Then,  for  a  few  days,  you  must  use  water  only  on  your  hands. 
But  be  sure  and  wash  them." 

"  Of  course,  cap'n  ;  I  allers  does  dat." 

The  kanaka  commenced  operations,  and  laid  out  his  work, 
drawing  some  heavy  lines  on  the  face  of  the  negro,  extending 
from  his  ears  to  his  month,  and  then  downward  to  his  chin.  From 


SHEER   IMPUDENCE.  257 

the  nose  to  the  cheeks  the  marks  were  carried  upward,  and  a 
more  ferocious  looking  negro  I  never  saw  in  my  life,  after  the 
painting  was  finished.  I  could  not  help  laughing ;  and  while 
indulging  in  my  mirth,  Will  reported  that  a  boat  from  the  Sally, 
containing  the  chief  mate,  Mr.  Spadem,  was  pulling  towards 
us.  Upon  receiving  this  news,  Jack  and  Will  entered  their  state- 
rooms, and  Jake  dove  for  the  galley,  where  he  pretended  to  be  very 
busy,  while  I  walked  the  quarter-deck,  quite  calm  and  collected. 

The  boat  came  alongside,  and  the  mate  reached  the  deck,  with 
a  gaming  smile  upon  his  face,  which  instantly  changed  to  one 
of  the  most  intense  astonishment,  after  he  had  obtained  a  fair  view 
of  my  countenance.  He  looked  at  my  feet  as  though  desirous  of 
seeing  if  they  were  clubbed  —  then  he  looked  at  my  face,  and  at 
last  he  spoke  to  me  :  — 

u  Pepper,  you  devil,  what  brought  you  here?" 

"  Sir  !  "  I  exclaimed,  with  amazement,  "  what  do  you  mean  by 
speaking  in  this  manner  to  a  stranger?  I  am  master  of  this 
vessel,  and  will  not  be  insulted  on  its  quarter-deck." 

"  What?     The  devil !     Don't  you  know  me,  Pepper?  " 

"  You  will  excuse  me,  sir,  from  holding  any  conversation  with 
a  man  who  calls  me  by  a  name  which  I  do  not  recognize." 

For  a  moment  the  mate  did  not  know  whether  to  leave  the 
vessel  or  remain  and  explain.  The  love  of  "  gaming  "  prevailed. 
He  came  aft,  and  with  a  smile  upon  his  homely  face,  said, — 

"  I  hope  you  will  excuse  me,  Pep —  that  is,  cap'n.  You  look 
so  much  like  a  boy  what  cut  from  us  one  night,  that  I  thought  it 
was  him." 

"  It  is  very  singular,  but  I  met  a  man  this  morning,  while 
coming  down  the  river,  who  said  the  same  thing." 

"  It  must  have  been  Captain  Bunker,"  the  mate  said.  u  He 
went  to  town  this  morning.  I  s'pose  he  was  struck,  the  same  as 
me,  with  your  resemblance  to  Pepper.  But  the  more  I  hear  you 
talk,  the  more  I  am  satisfied  that  you  ain't  Pepper.  He  was  a 
modest  sort  of  boy,  and  didn't  dare  to  wink  at  me." 

"  And  you  mean  to  say  that  I  am  not  modest?"  I  asked,  with 
a  careless  laugh. 

u  O,  no,  cap'n ;  none  of  that.  I  knows  what  manners  is,  I 
does." 

u  What  is  the  name  of  your  ship  ?  "  I  asked,  after  a  moment's 
pause. 

17 


258  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  The  Sally,  sir.  And  a  good  ship  she  is,  too.  Plenty  to  eat, 
and  good  treatment." 

"  Have  you  made  a  successful  voyage?  " 

"  Well,  no,  I  can't  say  that  we  have.  We've  taken  some  ile, 
but  we  ain't  made  our  fortunes." 

Just  at  this  moment  Jake  left  the  cabin,  and  passed  within  a 
few  feet  of  us. 

"  What  is  that  fellow  ?  "  asked  the  mate.    "  A  New  Zealander  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  think  so,"  I  answered,  carelessly. 

"  Singular,"  muttered  the  man,  "  but  that  man  looks  like  a 
nigger  we  had  on  board  the  Sally.  Have  you  any  objection  to 
my  speaking  to  him  ?  " 

"  Not  in  the  least.     But  he  don't  understand  English." 

Mr.  Spadem  walked  forward  to  the  galley,  and  I  accompanied 
him.  Jake  was  sitting  in  the  galley,  cooking  some  mess  for  the 
cabin,  and  did  not  look  up  until  we  stopped  opposite  to  him.  I 
saw  that  the  negro's  eyes  were  full  of  trouble,  but  he  endeavored 
to  appear  composed. 

"  Well,  old  feller,  how  do  you  like  cooking?"  asked  the  whale- 
man. 

Jake  looked  up,  grinned,  and  then  shook  his  head.  He  didn't 
understand  English. 

"  Darned  if  he  ain't  got  the  same  kind  of  head  that  Jake  had. 
But  I  guess  it  ain't  him.  Ah,  you  sarvey  whaleman  ?  "  Spadera 
asked. 

"  Kamiti  mimi  tamste"  muttered  Jake,  shaking  his  head,  and 
then  continued  his  work. 

"  He  says  that  he  does  not  understand  you,"  I  remarked,  pre- 
tending that  I  could  comprehend  the  meaning  of  the  steward's 
lingo. 

"  Yes,  I  s'pose  he  don't,"  answered  the  mate ;  and  after  one 
long  gaze  at  the  negro,  he  walked  aft  with  me,  but  still  in  a 
thoughtful  mood,  as  though  he  did  not  know  what  to  make  of  it. 

"  Have  you  had  any  sickness  on  board  the  Sally?  "  I  asked. 

"No,  not  much.     Why?" 

"  Because,  I  should  think  that  there  was  a  mania  on  board 
your  vessel  for  recognizing  people,  or  thinking  that  you  had  met 
them  before.  I  can't  account  for  it,  and  I  wish  that  you  would 
give  me  au  explanation." 

But  Mr.  Spadem  was  not  competent  for  the  task.     He  could 


BUNKER   ON   A   RAMPAGE.  259 

only  ponder  on  the  subject,  and  wonder  how  it  happened  ;  and 
after  drinking  a  large  dose  of  gin,  his  favorite  liquor,  he  left  the 
schooner  and  went  on  board  of  his  own  ship.  But  I  knew  that 
our  danger  was  not  past,  and  -in  this  calculation  I  was  not  mis- 
taken, for  1  saw  Captain  Bunker's  boat  pulling  down  the  river, 
and  by  the  aid  of  a  glass,  I  made  out  that  Bunker  was  in  it.  I 
instantly  commenced  making  preparations  for  defence,  in  case  it 
was  necessary.  I  gave  to  each  of  the  kanakas  a  loaded  revolver 
and  a  cutlass,  and  showed  how  they  were  to  be  used.  Jake, 
Will,  and  the  mate  were  similarly  armed,  but  the  two  latter  were 
not  to  interfere  in  the  fight,  if  we  had  one,  unless  they  were  really 
needed.  We  had  dinner,  and  still  there  was  no  sign  of  life  on 
board  the  Sally.  I  began  to  think  that  Bunker  would  not  pay 
me  a  visit,  and  I  had  just  set  Jake  and  the  cook  at  work  to  pre- 
pare the  next  day's  repast,  in  anticipation  of  the  arrival  of  the 
governor  and  family,  when  a  boat  left  the  side  of  the  whaler,  and 
pulled  towards  us.  In  a  few  minutes  my  men  were  prepared, 
although  no  weapons  were  visible  on  deck.  I  saw  that  Bunker 
was  in  the  stern-sheets  of  the  boat,  and  that  he  looked  dangerous. 
I  knew  that  he  was  determined  on  some  bold  stroke,  and  I  sus- 
pected what  it  was.  As  he  reached  the  deck  he  came  towards 
me  with  a  most  savage  frown  upon  his  brow.  I  think  that  I 
never  saw  him  look  more  ugly.  At  one  time  I  should  have  wilt- 
ed before  that  gaze,  but  now  I  met  his  eyes  without  flinching. 

"  Do  you  mean  to  tell  me  that  your  name  isn't  Pepper?" 
roared  the  skipper,  shaking  his  fist  at  me,  and  turning  red  in  the 
face. 

"  It  is  none  of  your  business  what  my  name  is,"  I  retorted. 

"  I  say  it  is." 

"  And  I  repeat  that  it  is  not." 

"  D — n  it,  boy,  I'll  knock  you  down,  if  you  give  me  a  word  of 
sass ;  "  and  Captain  Bunker  came  towards  me  as  though  to  carry 
into  effect  his  threat ;  but  when  he  saw  that  I  manifested  no  signs 
of  alarm,  he  paused,  and  seemed  a  little  undecided.  "  Will  you 
go  on  board  the  Sally?"  he  asked.  "You  ran  away  from  my 
ship,  and  I  want  you.  If  you  don't  go  you  must  pay  me  for 
your  services." 

"  I  shall  not  go  on  board  your  old  tub,  and  I  shall  not  pay 
you  a  dollar.  You  have  made  a  mistake  in  the  person,  if  you 
think  so." 


260  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Bunker  walked  to  the  gangway,  and  called  to  his  boat's  crew. 
The  men  came  on  deck,  but  with  no  degree  of  alacrity.  I  knew 
most  of  them,  and  was  aware  that  they  would  have  run  away  if 
they  had  had  a  chance. 

"  Put  that  fellow  in  the  boat,"  Bunker  said  ;  and  pointed  to  me. 

"  Be  careful  what  orders  you  issue  here,"  I  cried.  "  Remem- 
ber, I  command  this  vessel,  and  if  you  commit  an  outrage,  I  shall 
resent  it." 

"  You  go  on  board  the  Sally,  or  I'll  never  eat  agin,"  roared 
Bunker  ;  and  I  saw  that  he  was  in  earnest. 

"  I  shall  not  go  on  board  the  Sally,  and  I  warn  you  against 
committing  an  outrage." 

u  Put  him  in  the  boat,"  cried  Bunker,  pointing  to  me. 

The  men  advanced  a  few  steps,  and  then  paused  rather  un- 
expectedly, for  I  had  quietly  drawn  a  revolver  from  my  pocket 
and  cocked  it. 

"  Men,"  I  said,  "  I  don't  want  your  blood  upon  my  head.  If 
I  am  compelled  to  shoot  two  or  three  of  you,  Captain  Bunker  in- 
cluded, don't  blame  me.  I  shall  do  so,  if  you  make  a  movement 
to  lay  a  hand  upon  me." 

"  Do  you  mean  to  say  that  you  would  shoot  me?"  demanded 
Bunker. 

"  The  first  man  that  I  shall  aim  at  will  be  you.  Recollect  it, 
and  know  that  my  aim  never  fails." 

"  Good  Lord,  this  can't  be  Pepper,"  remarked  the  skipper. 
"  Pepper  wasn't  so  bloodthirsty  as  this  man.  But  do  you  really 
mean  what  you  say  ?  " 

"  Certainly  I  do ;  "  and  then  I  whistled,  and  the  kanakas 
sprung  to  their  feet,  each  of  them  armed  with  a  revolver  and 
cutlass,  and  Bunker  commenced  backing  towards  the  gangway, 
exclaiming,  — 

"Don't  shoot  —  we  will  leave.  Get  into  the  boat,  boys,  or 
the  d — d  heathen  will  eat  us.  We'll  come  again,  we  will,  and 
we'll  come  armed,  we  will,  and  we'll  take  you,  you  see  if  we 
don't ;  "  and  with  this  shout  of  defiance  Bunker  quitted  the  deck. 
The  boat  left  the  schooner,  and  Bunker  shook  his  fist  at  me  as  he 
passed  under  the  stern.  "  I'll  have  you,"  he  said.  "  You  can't 
lie  to  me  ;  I  know  too  much." 

I  raised  my  pistol,  as  though  I  was  about  to  take  aim,  and 
the  brave  whaler  dodged  instantly,  and  shouted  to  his  men  to 


ATTEMPTED    SURPRISE.  261 

"  pull  hard  ;  "  and  they  did,  and  were  soon  beyon*d  the  reach  of  a 
bullet. 

I  supposed  that  an  attempt  would  be  made  to  board  the  vessel 
during  the  night,  and,  for  the  purpose  of  defeating  the  plan,  the 
mate  and  Will  agreed  to  keep  watch,  and  give  me  warning  of  the 
approach  of  those  hostile  to  us.  I  "  turned  in  "  about  ten  o'clock, 
somewhat  tired,  and  soon  fell  asleep  ;  but  about  two  bells  in  the 
morning,  or  one  o'clock,  the  mate  aroused  me,  with  the  informa- 
tion that  two  boats  were  approaching  the  schooner.  In  a  few 
minutes  I  had  dressed  and  was  on  deck,  where  I  found  my  crew 
all  armed,  and  ready  for  action.  The  two  boats  were  within  a 
hundred  fathoms  of  us,  pulling  with  muffled  oars,  and  the  one 
who  had  charge  of  the  expedition  evidently  thought  that  he  would 
surprise  us  ;  but  in  this  he  was  mistaken,  for  I  suddenly  hailed  the 
boats,  and  the  instant  my  voice  was  heard,  the  rowing  ceased. 

"  Boat,  ahoy  !  "  I  cried  :  "  if  you  pull  nearer  to  the  schooner,  I 
shall  fire  at  you." 

I  could  hear  the  officers  who  had  charge  of  the  expedition 
whisper,  and  then  Captain  Bunker  answered,  — 

"  We  are  going  ashore  for  wood  and  water." 

"  Then  give  my  vessel  a  wider  berth.  Pull  in  some,  other 
direction.  There  is  room  enough  for  you  and  me." 

Hardly  had  I  ceased  speaking  when  I  saw  a  flash,  and  then 
heard  the  report  of  a  musket.  A  ball  whizzed  within  ten  feet  of 
my  head,  and  struck  the  water  a  few  fathoms  beyond  the  vessel. 

u  All  ready  for  a  broadside,"  I  cried,  speaking  so  that  those  in 
the  boat  could  hear  me  ;  and  then  I  whispered  to  Jack  and  Will, 
"  Don't  fire  to  hit.  Only  frighten  them." 

I  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  caution  the  kanakas,  for  I  did 
not  believe  they  could  hit  a  boat  at  so  great  a  distance. 

•'  Fire  !  "  I  yelled,  and  aimed  so  that  the  bullet  from  my  pistol 
would  pass  close  to  Bunker's  head. 

There  was  a  rattling  discharge  of  pistols,  and  to  my  surprise  I 
heard  some  one  utter  an  exclamation  of  pain,  and  drop  his  oar. 
One  of  the  kanakas  had  aimed  with  commendable  precision,  obey- 
ing orders,  and  perhaps  killing  a  man. 

"Hold  water,"  roared  Bunker.  "Blast  'em,  they  is  firing 
bullets,  and  one  passed  within  a  few  inches  of  my  head." 

As  the  boat  lost  headway,  the  skipper  again  cried,  — 

"  Starn,  all  —  hard  ;  "  and  the  boat  commenced  receding  from 


262  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

the  schooner.  While  I  was  wondering  if  the  attack  would  be  re- 
newed, Bunker,  in  a  voice  of  rage,  shouted, — 

"  Cuss  you,  Pepper,  you  have  nearly  killed  one  of  my  men." 

I  was  sorry  for  it,  but  I  did  not  say  so.     I  only  replied,  — 

"  I'll  kill  more,  if  you  don't  keep  away  from  my  vessel.  I  told 
you  what  to  expect." 

My  answer  so  exasperated  the  whaler  that  he  again  fired  at  me 
with  his  musket ;  but  the  ball  fell  short,  striking  the  water  some 
distance  from  the  vessel.  My  men  answered  the  shot  with  a 
shout  of  defiance,  and  dared  the  whalemen  to  renew  the  attack. 
But  the  latter  had  had  enough  for  one  night,  so  they  sullenly 
retired  to  their  ship,  and  we  to  our  berths,  satisfied  that  no  other 
attack  would  be  made. 

At  daylight  the  next  morning  we  commenced  preparations  for 
receiving  the  governor  and  family.  We  hoisted  flags,  washed 
and  scrubbed  the  decks,  spread  an  awning  over  the  quarter-deck 
to  protect  the  heads  of  our  company  from  the  hot  sun  ;  and  after 
breakfast  the  crew  dressed  themselves  in  their  best,  and  awaited 
the  appearance  of  our  expected  company.  We  did  not  have  to 
wait  long.  Two  boats  hove  in  sight,  and  in  one  of  them  I  saw 
the  sweet  face  of  Constance,  and  the  stern  countenance  of  Dor- 
othea. The  governor  and  suite  arrived  first,  and  I  received  his 
excellency  with  such  marks  of  dignified  attention  that  he  was 
delighted,  and  felt  at  home  at  once.  The  members  of  his  suite 
were  also  pleased  with  their  reception.  They  were  all  ushered  into 
the  cabin,  where  they  found  a  cold  collation  upon  the  table,  with 
a  large  bowl  of  claret  punch,  and  coffee  for  those  who  preferred 
that  beverage.  I  left  my  company  in  the  cabin,  and*  hastened  to 
receive  Constance,  who  reached  the  deck  with  a  hop,  skip,  and  a 
jump,  and  squeezed  my  hand  in  the  most  friendly  manner,  while 
her  eyes  danced  with  fun,  as  she  thought  of  the  ride  which  we 
had  taken  through  the  streets  of  her  native  village.  While  I  was 
chatting  with  the  ladies,  forgetful  of  everything  but  present  en- 
joyment, I  heard  a  deep  sigh  near  me  ;  and  turning,  I  saw  poor, 
patient  Lilly,  who  was  regarding  me  with  sorrowful  eyes  and  a 
heavy  heart.  But  at  that  moment  the  look  and  sigh  made  me 
angry,  and  I  spoke  quick  —  much  quicker  than  I  intended. 

"  Boy,"  I  asked,  "  what  do  you  desire?  " 

"  Nothing,  sir,"  Lilly  answered,  and  walked  forward  ;  but  I  saw 
the  tears  gather  in  her  eyes  as  she  passed  me. 


MY    GUESTS.  263 

I  forgot  the  sacrifices  she  had  made  on  my  account  —  I  no 
longer  recollected  the  love  which  she  felt  for  me  —  her  past 
services  were  forgotten,  and  all  on  account  of  the  new  face  which 
was  beaming  on  me,  and  lighted  by  'a  pair  of  very  bright  eyes. 

"  What  a  handsome  boy  !  "  cried  the  Spanish  maiden,  her  look: 
following  the  form  of  Lilly.  "  Do  call  him,  so  that  I  can  see  hia 
face  and  eyes," 

I  imagined  the  kanaka  girl's  indignant  refusal  had  I  made  such 
a  request,  and  to  prevent  trouble  I  declined,  on  the  ground  that 
discipline  would  not  permit  me  to  talk  with  the  boy.  With  this 
explanation  Constance  was  satisfied,  or  seemed  so,  and  with  a 
gallant  bow  I  conducted  her  into  the  cabin,  where  her  father  and 
friends  were  awaiting  an  invitation  to  attack  the  collation.  While 
we  were  at  the  table,  Will  came  into  the  cabin,  and  informed  me 
that  Captain  Bunker  and  'two  boats'  crews  were  pulling  towards 
the  Helen,  and  he  desired  information  respecting  them. 

"  Arm  the  men,  and  have  them  in  readiness  to  act,"  I  said, 
and  continued  to  entertain  my  visitors. 

In  a  short  time  I  heard  Bunker's  voice  on  deck,  and  it  was 
raised  in  a  threatening  manner.  My  guests  looked  a  little  sur- 
prised ;  but  I  re-assured  them  with  a  smile,  and  passed  around 
the  table  some  choice  paper  cigars.  But  Bunker's  voice  did  not 
grow  quiet.  He  grew  braver  every  moment,  seeing  that  there  was 
no  opposition  to  his  gaining  the  deck.  I  saw  that-an  explosion  was 
about  to  take  place ;  so  I  thought  it  time  to  say  a  few  words,  and 
prepare  the  governor's  mind. 

"  Are  the  whalemen  who  enter  this  port  troublesome?  "  I  asked 
of  Don  Oroto. 

"  Troublesome  !  "  he  repeated  ;  "  they  are  always  in  trouble. 
May  the  saints  curse  some  of  them,  for  it  requires  my  army  to 
keep  the  drunkards  in  subjection.  But  they  buy  our  provisions, 
and  that  is  the  only  consolation  we  have." 

"  And  make  love  to  our  ladies,  padre,"  cried  Constance,  with 
a  sharp  look  at  her  aunt. 

"  Yes,  they  do  bother  our  women,"  was  his  excellency's  reply, 
as  though  it  was  one  of  the  natural  consequences  of  a  whaler's 
being  in  port. 

"  Confound  them  for  a  dirty  set,"  I  said,  with  a  look  of  disgust. 
"  They  have  already  annoyed  me." 

"  Can  it  be  possible?"  asked  the  governor  ;  "  it  shall  be  stopped. 


264  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

I  assure  you  that  it  shall.    My  friends  shall  not  be  annoyed.    The 
commander  of  the  forces  shall  see  to  it." 

".Fill  your  glasses,  ladies  and  gentlemen,"  I  said,  "  and  then 
I  will  tell  you  something  that  will  make  you  smile.  The  whaler 
labors  under  a  strange  delusion.  He  imagines  that  he  has  seen! 
me  before,  and  even  declares  that  I  formerly  belonged  to  his 
ship.  I  have  attempted  to  reason  with  the  man,  but  he  won'fc? 
listen  to  reason.  Last  night  he  attempted  to  board  my  vessel  for 
the  purpose  of  making  me  a  prisoner;  but  I  was  prepared,  and 
drove  him  and  his  men  off.  I  don't  like  to  be  annoyed  by  the 
fellow,  but  really  I  shall  be  glad  to  escape  from  it." 

"  Let  me  talk  with  this  man,"  cried  the  governor,  with  awful 
dignity.  "  I  will  see  what  he  means.  He  must  be  rebuked." 

We  left  the  table,  and  went  on  deck,  and  saw  Bunker  and  his 
men   looking  as  though  they  meant  mischief.     But  at  sight  of » 
the  governor  and  ladies  the  whalemen  fell  back,  and  some  of 
them  walked  forward.     The  captain  shook  his  fist  at  me,  and  that 
attention  I  repaid  with  a  contemptuous  smile. 

"  Do  you  know  who  I  am?  "  asked  the  governor  of  the  whaler, 
speaking  in  Spanish,  which  the  latter  could  not  comprehend. 

"  I  don't  want  to  hear  any  of  your  lingo,"  roared  Bunker  ;  "  I 
want  Pepper,  and  I'll  have  him,  or  I'll  know  the  reason  why." 

The  governor  looked  to  me  for  an  interpretation. 

"He  says  that  he  don't  care  for  you  or  your  power,"  I  ex- 
claimed. 

The  governor  raised  both  hands  in  astonishment,  and  turned  to 
his  suite  for  advice. 

"  We  must  make  ourselves  respected,"  he  said.  "  Even  if  I 
have  to  call  upon  the  whole  military  force  of  the  island,  I  will 
have  my  authority  enforced." 

"  Look  ahere,  you  Pepper,"  cried  Bunker  ;  "  it  ain't  no  kind  of 
use  to  play  'possum  with  me.  Jist  you  come  on  board  the  Sally, 
and  then  if  you  want  to  make  a  bargain  I'll  talk  with  you." 

"  What  does  he  say?  "  asked  the  governor. 

"  That  he  don't  care  about  your  army.  He  thinks  that  he  could 
annihilate  it  in  a  short  time." 

The  military  captain  seemed  somewhat  interested  at  this  stage. 
Constance  raised  her  eyes  in  wonder  and  indignation. 

"  What  do  you  say?"  demanded  Bunker. 

"  That  I  shall  not  go  with  you.     You  have  made  a  mistake. 


A  GOVERNOR'S  AUTHORITY.  265 

You  are  laboring  under  some  delusion.  Go  on  board  of  your  ves- 
sel, and  keep  quiet  for  a  few  days.  You  may  recover  by  using 
proper  medicines." 

The  rage  of  the  man  was  terrible.  The  military  gentleman 
thought  of  retreating  to  the  cabin,  but  Dorothea  blocked  the  way, 
and  he  could  not  do  so.  Don  Oroto  turned  pale,  and  looked  to 
me  for  advice. 

u  You  are  governor  of  the  island,"  I  said.  "  Show  this  pirate 
that  you  are  master  by  using  your  authority." 

"  I  will,"  he  answered.  ,"  Tell  him  from  r»e  that,  unless  he 
returns  to  his  ship,  I  will  command  the  fort  to  fire  upon  his 
vessel." 

I  interpreted  the  words  to  Bunker.  He  was  somewhat  aston- 
ished, but  luckily  did  not  know  the  actual  force  at  the  fort  —  a 
six-pounder  and  one  soldier. 

"  Pepper,"  he  said,  "  give  me  a  hundred  dollars,  and  I'll  call  it 
square.  Make  it  a  bargain,  and  I  won't  say  one  word  about  your 
running  away." 

I  shook  my  head. 

44  You  must  leave  the  vessel,"  I  said.  "  I  cannot  talk  with  a 
man  who  presumes  to  dictate  to  me." 

"  Cuss  your  impudence,"  he  yelled.  "  You  beat  a  Portuguese 
all  holler.  I've  a  good  mind  to  take  you  at  any  rate  —  and  that 
nigger,  too.  In  spite  of  his  tattoo  I  think  he  is  my  Jake." 

The  governor,  who  supposed  that  his  authority  was  still  defied, 
waved  his  hand  in  token  of  a  wish  to  terminate  the  interview, 
and  Bunker,  after  a  moment's  consultation  with  Spadem,  left  the 
vessel ;  but  he  grumbled  terribly,  and  swore  that  he  would  write 
to  his  government. 

Of  course  I  commended  the  governor  for  the  energy  which  he 
had  exhibited,  and  complimented  his  suite  for  their  courage.  Such 
a  course  was  well  calculated  to  win  their  favor,  and  we  all  ad- 
journed to  the  cabin  and  finished  the  bowl  of  punch,  and  then 
repaired  to  the  deck  to  chat  until  dinner-time. 

At  four  o'clock  we  had  dinner,  and  an  excellent  one  it  was. 
The  land  and  the  sea  contributed  their  stores  to  supply  the  table. 
We  had  turtle  and  fish,  fresh  from  the  brine,  fruits  plucked  from, 
the  trees  that  morning,  fowls  which  we  brought  from  the  Sand- 
wich Islands,  ducks  from  the-  shore,  and  sweetmeats  from  the 
East  Indies ;  while  for  liquids  we  had  coffee,  claret,  and  chain* 


266  '.  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

pagne ;  and,  in  justice  to  my  company,  I  must  state  that  they 
relished  the  latter  much  more  than  the  former,  which  I  considered 
an  evidence  of  refined  taste  on  their  part.  At  six  o'clock  my 
guests  left  the  table,  all  satisfied,  and  all  congratulating  me  upon 
the  successful  manner  in  which  the  dinner  had  passed  off.  Even 
Constance's  eyes  beamed  with  extra  brilliancy  upon  the  occasion, 
and  her  smile  was  more  saucy  than  ever.  She  put  her  arm" 
through  mine,  and  walked  the  deck,  smoking  her  cigarette,  and 
chatting  in  a  most  lovable  manner. 

44  Senor,"  said  the  governor,  as  the  boats  were  coming  along- 
side to  take  the  company  home,  "  I  will  protect  you  and  your 
vessel." 

I  thanked  his  excellency  for  his  kindness,  but  did  not  intimate 
that  I  was  able  to  protect  myself. 

"  I  shall  issue  orders  to  the  men  "  (one  man  he  meant)  "  in 
the  fort  to  open  fire  upon  the  whaleship  if  the  master  molests  you  ; 
and  to  still  further  secure  you  from  attack,  the  commander  of  the 
forces  will  remain  on  board  until  you  feel  perfectly  safe." 

The  gallant  gentleman  thus  alluded  to  did  not  seem  to-  relish 
the  position. 

"  Will  there  be  any  fighting?"  he  asked. 

u  Perhaps  there  will  be.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  what  the 
whaler  will  resort  to,"  I  answered. 

"  Then  I  should  have  some  of  my  soldiers  on  board  to  assist 
me,"  pleaded  the  captain. 

"  Your  presence  is  sufficient  to  defeat  any  schemes  of  attack,'* 
was  the  governor's  answer.  u  You  must  remain  and  see  that  the 
rights  of  neutrals  are  respected.  We  must  have  order  in  our  har- 
bor. We  are  under  too  deep  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  the  seiior 
captain  not  to  afford  him  all  the  protection  in  our  power." 

The  military  gentleman  would  have  said  something  in  remon- 
strance, but  the  governor  cut  him  short  by  entering  his  boat, 
while  I  assisted  Constance  over  the  rail. 

"  You  will  come  and  see  me  to-morrow,  or  the  next  day,"  she 
whispered,  and  pressed  my  hand. 

I  returned  the  pressure  and  promised,  and  the  next  instant  the 
boats  had  left,  leaving  the  military  man  to  be  entertained  by  me, 
and  to  wish  that  whalers  were  sunk  in  the  ocean  with  their  own. 
oil  poured  upon  their  heads. 

"  I  trust  that  we  shall  have  a  quiet  night,"  the  captain  said. 


A   JEALOUS   GIRL.  267 

"  The  whaler  will  not  dare  to  attack  us  after  the  warning  which 
the  governor  gave  him." 

44  They  are  desperate  men,"  I  answered,  and  will  not  scruple  to 
commit  desperate  deeds.  *If  we  have  a  fight,  it  will  be  a  hard 
one.  But  I  have  no  doubt  we  shall  be  able  to  beat  them." 

The  Spaniard  shuddered,  and  looked  at  me  with  some  surprise. 
He  thought  I  must  be  a  wonderful  man  for  courage,  and  I  did 
not  think  it  necessary  to  undeceive  him. 

At  an  early  hour  my  guest  retired  to  bed,  and  then  I  let  the 
mate  and  Will  out  of  their  state-room,  much  to  their  joy,  for  the 
poor  fellows  had  heard  the  fun  which  I  had  had  all  day,  and 
were  unable  to  participate  in  it.  They  cursed  their  fate,  and 
were  in  favor  of  defying  Bunker  and  all  on  board  the  Sally. 

I  cooled  them  down  after  a  while,  and  they  became  reconciled 
to  their  lot ;  and  then  I  turned  to  speak  to  Lilly,  who  I  had  hardly 
noticed  all  day,  having  so  much  business  to  attend  to.  I  felt 
guilty  when  my  eyes  met  hers,  for  they  looked  so  mildly  re- 
proachful, and  I  recollected  how  kind  she  had  been  to  me  in  adver- 
sity and  prosperity. 

"  Do  you  think  that  youjiave  treated  me  justly?"  she  asked. 

"  Why  have  I  not?"  I  said. 

"  Ask  your  own  fickle  heart  why  you  have  acted  so  coldly," 
Lilly  cried. 

"  I  have,  and  I  can  obtain  no  answer." 

"  There  goes  the  answer !  "  the  girl  exclaimed,  pointing  with 
her  hand  in  the  direction  which  the  boats  had  taken.  "  The  Span- 
ish lady  has  driven  from  your  head  all  thoughts  of  Lilly,  and  yet  I 
love  you  better  than  she  does,  or  ever  can." 

"And  do  you  suppose  that  I  doubt  it,  Lilly?  Have  I  not 
proved  to  you  how  highly  I  estimate  your  friendship  ?  " 

"  You  have  proved  nothing,"  she  exclaimed,  passionately,  "  ex- 
cept your  fickleness." 

Tears,  which  she  no  longer  could  restrain,  rolled  down  her 
cheeks,  but  she  dashed  them  off  as  though  ashamed  of  showing  so 
much  feeling. 

"  Lilly,"  I  said,  "  listen  to  me  for  a  moment.  The  ladies  who 
were  on  board  were  my  guests,  and  I  could  not  help  showing 
them  some  attention.  If  I  had  neglected  them  they  would  have 
supposed  me  impolite,  and  not  anxious  for  their  company."- 

'*  But  why  did  you  not  devote  your  attention  as  much  to  one 
as  the  other  ?  "  she  asked,  with  flashing  eyes. 


268  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"Did  I  not?" 

uNo  ;  you  know  you  did  not.  I  saw  you  attempt  to  kiss  the; 
girl  with  the  fresh  face,  and  you  looked  foolish  when  she  would 
not  let  you.  Do  not  deny  it." 

Of  course  I  did  not  deny  it,  for  the  truth  was  not  to  be  denied 
at  such  a  moment ;  but  candor  compelled  me  to  state  that  at  the 
time  I  attempted  to  steal  a  kiss,  I  had  no  idea  that  Lilly  was« 
watching  me.  But  a  man  should  be  careful  in  his  love  affairs  — 
for  a  woman  is  Argus-eyed. 

44  Lilly,"  I  asked,  u  would  you  have  had  me  kiss  the  elder  fe- 
male?" 

"  You  should  have  attempted  to  kiss  neither,"  was  the  answer, 
accompanied  with  a  stamp  of  the  foot. 

I  could  not  help  smiling  at  the  passionate  little  thing,  and  my 
smile  so  excited  the  girl  that  she  turned  her  back  upon  me,  and 
walked  aft.  I.  did  not  say  a  word.  I  lighted  a  cigar,  and  sat 
down,  taking  no  notice  of  Lilly,  for  I  thought  that  she  would  soon 
come  to  terms.  My  predictions  were  verified.  In  a  fewminutesj 
I  heard  a  soft  breathing  near  me,  and  then  I  felt  some  one's  warmj 
breath  upon  my  neck.  I  smoked  on  in  silence,  not  even  turuingj 
my  head.  Presently  a  pair  of  soft  arms  were  thrown  around  my 
neck,  and  a  smooth  cheek  was  pressed  to  mine. 

"  Do  you  forgive  me?  "  whispered  Lilly.  "  I  was  angry,  and 
I  had  no  right  to  be.  I  did  not  mean  to  reproach  you  ;  but  0, 
I  have  been  very  miserable  to-day." 

Poor  child  !  I  could  tell  by  her  face  that  she  had  suffered,  and 
her  tender  pleading  touched  my  heart.  I  threw  away  my  cigar, 
and  put  an  arm  around  her  waist,  and  then  she  laid  her  head  OD 
my  shoulder,  and  sobbed  as  though  her  heart  would  break.  For 
a  few  minutes  I  allowed  her  tears  to  flow  without  restraint,  for  1 
knew  that  she  would  recover  her  usual  gayety  after  she  had  given 
vent  to  her  grief,  and  my  anticipations  proved  correct,  for  she 
raised  her  head,  and  asked,  — 

44  Do  you  forgive  me  ?  " 

44  For  what?" 

44  For  doubting  you  —  for  speaking  as  I  did? " 

44  Certainly  I  do  ;  but  let  us  have  no  more  doubts,  Lilly.  You 
must  trust  in  me,  and  make  no  complaints  if  you  see  me  paying 
attention  to  a  lady.  You  will  remember  —  will  you  not?" 

k4  Yes,"  she  said ;  but  the  word  came  forth  with  an  effort,  as 


A   LITTLE    LOVE    MAKING.  269 

though  she  would  strive  to  obey  the  request,  heartless  as  it  was. 
Then  she  left  me  and  entered  the  cabin,  while  I  remained  on 
deck  until  near  ten  o'clock  ;  and  then,  seeing  no  sign  of  an  attack, 
I  "  turned  in,"  and  slept  until  morning  without  being  disturbed. 

About  eight  o'clock  several  boats  came  alongside  with  yams, 
and  we  commenced -"receiving  cargo  on  board.  This  kept  me 
busy  until  nearly  sundown,  and  then,  leaving  the  mate  in  charge, 
I  entered  a  shore  boat,  and  was  pulled  up  the  river,  intending  to 
pay  a  visit  to  the  governor  and  his  pretty  daughter,  whose  sweet 
face  had  made  more  of  an  impression  upon  me  than  I  was  willing 
to  allow. 

Upon  arriving  at  the  governor's  house  the  first  person  I  met 
was  the  senorita  Constance,  who,  seated  in  the  sitting-room,  was 
sweeping  the  strings  of  her  guitar  in  a  thoughtful  manner,  as 
though  her  mind  was  not  on  her  music.  I  advanced  a  step,  and 
the  sound  awakened  her  from  her  reverie.  She  turned  her  head, 
saw  her  visitor,  and  with  a  look  of  glad  surprise  arose  and  came 
towards  me  with  extended  hands. 

"  Ah,  senor,  I  am  so  glad  you  have  come,  for  I  was  very  lonely." 

I  took  her  hands  and  pressed  them,  and  then  kissed  them, 
which  act  only  caused  her  to  blush  ;  but  she  did  not  look  offended 
or  displeased. 

"  Remember  our  compact  —  no  love  making,"  she  said,  with  a 
laugh. 

"  I  have  forgotten  it,"  I  answered.  "  I  forget  everything  but 
you,  when  in  your  presence." 

44  It  is  not  on  my  account  that  I  caution  you,"  Constance  said, 
after  a  moment's  thought.  "  It  is  for  your  sake.  I  did  not  com- 
mand you  to  avoid  loving  me  —  remember  that.  I  do  not  forbid 
you  to  worship,  only  you  must  not  expect  me  to  return  it." 

44  Have  matters  your  own  way,"  I  said.  "  I  shall  admire  you, 
but  still  not  love  you.  My  heart  has  passed  beyond  my  control." 

My  companion  looked  up,  and  a  shade  passed  over  her  face, 
but  it  was  soon  dispelled. 

44  Are  you  married?  "  she  whispered,  and  her  hand  was  with- 
drawn from  mine. 

44  O,  no  ;  but  I  hope  to  be,  some  day." 

She  replaced  her  little  hand  in  mine,  and  I  thought  that  I 
noted  a  glow  of  satisfaction  upon  her  face  ;  and  while  I  was  ad- 
miring her  eyes  I  heard  a  step  in  the  hall,  and  on  looking  up 


270 

who  should  stand  in  the  doorway  but  my  ancient  enemy,  Captain 
Jonathan  Buukor,  of  the  whaleship  Sally,  of  New  Bedford. 

u  Wai,  you  feller  is  cuttin'  it  fat,  I  should  think,"  the  skipper 
remarked,  as  his  little  red  eyes  rested  upqn  my  hand,  which  held 
Constance's ;  and,  as  he  spoke,  he  entered  the  room,  and  lauded 
on  a  lounge,  from  which  position  he  gazed  at  us  with  most  pro- 
voking coolness.  "  I  say,  you  boy,"  continued  Bunker,  "  that  is 
a  mighty  pootty  gal  you  is  talkin'  to,  and  huggin'." 

"  Sir,"  I  demanded,  with  pretended  astonishment,  "  who  do  you 
take  me  for?" 

"  I  takes  you  for  Pepper,  and  darned  if  you  ain't  Pepper,  and  its 
no  use  to  say  that  it  ain't  your  name." 

"  I  shall  not  renew  an  argument  with  you,"  I  said.  "  You 
can  think  as  you  please.  If  you  suppose  I  belonged  to  your  vessel, 
why  don't  you  take  me  ?  " 

"  And  so  I  would,  if  it  wan't  for  them  blasted  revolvers.  But 
you  give  me  an  equal  chance,  and  see  if  I  won't  do  somethin'." 

"  I  will  give  you  an  equal  chance,"  I  said.  "  You  may  take  a 
revolver,  and  I  will  take  one,  and  let  us  see  if  we  cannot  settle 
the  matter." 

"  I  have  a  darned  good  mind  to  try  you,"  the  old  fellow  said. 
"  I'd  clip  your  wings,  I  would,  'cos  I  can  shoot.  I  can  hit  things 
as  well  as  you." 

"  Don't  spoil  a  good  mind,"  I  cried.  "  I  have  a  revolver  in 
my  pocket.  We  can  toss  up  for  the  first  fire." 

"  Wai,  I  guess  I  couldn't  get  square  in  a  better  way.  But 
where's  the  old  cock  what  has  charge  of  these  mole-hills  ?  " 

"  Do  you  mean  the  governor?  " 

"  Wai,  yes  ;  I  'spect  I  do.  But  'tain't  much  honor  to  be  gov- 
ernor, of  these  islands." 

I  turned  to  Constance,  who  had  listened  to  our  conversation  in 
silence,  and  inquired  for  her  father.  She  informed  me  that  he 
and  the  rest  of  the  family  were  visiting  in  the  town,  and  might 
be  expected  home  in  a  few  minutes.  I  had  hardly  explained  this 
to  the  skipper  when  I  heard  the  governor's  voice  in  the  entry. 
Don  Oroto  was  glad  to  see  me,  and  said  so ;  but  he  did  not  mani- 
fest the  same  pleasure  at  meeting  Bunker. 

"  0,  you  needn't  put  on  airs  to  me,"  cried  Bunker,  who  noted 
the  coolness.  "  I'm  goin'  to  pay  for  all  I  take  on  hoard.  My 
money  is  as  good  as  another  man's,  I  guess.  I'm  a  Yankee,  and 
know  what's  what " 


A   NIGHT   SCENE.  271 

Luckily  the  governor  did  not  understand  what  was  said,  and  I 
did  not  care  to  make  more  trouble  between  the  captain  and  Don 
Oroto  by  interpreting  the  exact  expressions  used. 

The  evening  passed  rapidly  away.  The  governor  produced 
some  claret  and  coffee,  and  did  the  honors  of  his  house  with  his 
usual  politeness.  But  Bunker  was  neglected  in  the  general  ar- 
rangement, and  this  he  bore  with  commendable  fortitude,  until 
Dorothea,  who  seemed  to  have  taken  pity  on  the  man's  isolation,- 
commenced  a  conversation  with  him ;  and  this  so  enlivened  him 
that  I  believe  they  managed  to  understand  about  one  word  in 
every  forty  which  were  uttered. 

When  we  separated  for  the  night,  the  secretary  was  sent  out  of 
the  house,  as  his  lounge  was  needed  for  the  skipper ;  and  then  I 
found  that  Bunker  and  I  were  to  occupy  the  same  room,  which 
was  far  from  agreeable  to  me.  I  took  leave  of  Constance  with  a 
warm  pressure  of  her  hand,  and  I  noted  that  the  whaler  was  un- 
usually affectionate  to  Dorothea  ;  and,  faith,  the  elderly  maiden 
seemed  to  like  it,  for  her  face  was  wreathed  in  smiles,  and  she 
even  let  the  captain  squeeze  her  hand,  as  though  he  was  desirous 
of  extracting  tar  from  her  long,  lean  fingers. 

I  went  to  sleep,  and  when  I  awoke,  it  was  with  a  start,  for  I 
heard  voices  in  the  apartment.  The  lamp  had  gone  out,  and  the 
room  was  pitchy  dark.  For  a  few  minutes  I  lay  perfectly 
still,  trying  to  recollect  where  I  was,  and  while  in  this  state  I 
heard  a  vigorous  smack,  which  sounded  like  the  report  of  a  pistol ; 
and  then,  before  the  sound  died  away,  I  was  further  disturbed  by 
a  scuffle  which  seemed  to  take  place  in  the  direction  of  Bunker's 
lounge.  For  a  few  seconds  I  listened  in  silent  amazement,  and 
then  I  heard  Bunker  say,  — 

"  O,  'taiu't  any  kind  of  use  to  try  to  get  away  from  me,  my  little 
duck.  I  knows  you  love  me,  and  I  love  you.  Ask  Pepper  if  I 
don't." 

"  You  brute !  "  exclaimed  the  shrill-voiced  Dorothea,  "  will 
you  let  me  go  ?  I'll  scratch  you  unless  you  do." 

The  captain,  I  am  glad  to  say,  did  not  understand  one  word 
that  she  said.  For  a  few  minutes  the  struggle  went  on  without 
a  word ;  and  then  Dorothea  must  have  lost  patience,  for  she  sud- 
denly struck  at  the  skipper's  face.  At  least  I  judged  so  from 
what  Bunker  said,  for  he  exclaimed,  with  some  show  of  anger, — • 
"  Darn  it,  don't  scratch  like  an  old  cat !  " 


272  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Before  he  could  obtain  an  answer  there  was  a  renewal  of  tho 
struggle,  and  then  followed  a  crash,  which  shook  the  house.  The 
lounge  had  capsized,  and  Bunker  had  rolled  over  on  the  floor, 
and  in  his  fall  had  dragged  down  Dorothea,  and  the  lady,  in  at- 
tempting to  save  herself,  had  caught  at  the  table.  The  latter  was 
overturned ;  consequently  there  was  crash  upon  crash,  and  the 
heaviest  sleeper  must  have  been  awakened  by  the  noise.  As  the 
fight  had  nothing  to  do  with  me,  I  kept  still,  and  heard  the  strug- 
gle renewed  upon  the  floor;  and,  from  the  words  which  Bunker 
uttered,  I  thought  that  he  was  getting  the  worst  of  it. 

"  Darn  it,  don't  scratch  so  !  "  the  whaler  shouted.  "  You  is 
tearing  my  flesh  all  to  pieces.  What  do  you  mean  by  coming  to 
see  a  man,  and  acting  in  this  way,  hey?" 

I  heard  a  movement  in  another  part  of  the  house,  and  expected 
to  see  fun  before  long.  The  parties  who  were  mixed  up  with  the 
lounge,  table,  and  lamp,  paid  no  attention  to  anything  but  the 
fight.  At  last  I  saw  a  gleam  of  light,  and  then  I  thought  that  it 
was  time  for  me  to  move.  I  left  the  room,  and  in  the  hall  en- 
countered the  governor,  his  secretary  of  state,  and  Constance,  the 
latter  looking  charming  in  her  white  robes,  which  I  noticed  did 
not  reach  to  her  feet. 

"  In  the  name  of  the  saints,  senor,  what  is  the  matter?  "  gasped 
the  governor.  "  Are  we  attacked  by  ladrones  ?  " 

"  I  know  not,"  I  answered  ;  u  but  there  is  a  struggle  going  on 
in  the  sitting-room.  I  was  just  coming  in  search  of  you." 

"  Then  stand  by  us,  senor,  and  we  will  all  advance  in  a  body. 
Look  to  Constance,  senor,  and  see  that  no  harm  comes  to  her. 
Now,  then,  forward,  and  may  the  saints  protect  us." 

We  moved  forward,  the  struggle  still  continuing,  and  when  we 
gained  the  door  of  the  sitting-room,  what  a  scene  did  the  lights 
reveal !  Upon  the  floor  were  Dorothea  and  Bunker,  and  around 
them  were  lying  the  table,  lounge,  oil  from  the  lamp,  books,  and 
Constance's  guitar.  For  one  moment  Don  Oroto  gazed  at  the 
scene  before  him,  and  then,  raising  his  hands,  exclaimed,  — 

"  The  saints  be  with  us  —  in  their  name  what  is  the  meaning 
of  this?" 

"  The  brute,  the  monster  !  "  cried  Dorothea  ;  and  she  made  an 
attempt  to  rise  ;  but  unfortunately  her  feet  touched  that  part  of 
the  floor  which  was  well  oiled  by  the  broken  lamp.  They  slipped, 
attempted  to  regain  a  firm  hold,  failed,  and  then  the  lady-  plunged 


A  NmuT  ADVENTURE.        Page  272. 


AN   EXPLANATION   WANTED.  273 

head  first  in  the  direction  of  Bunker,  who  was  seated  amid  the 
ruins  coolly  wiping  the  blood  from  his  face.  She  struck  him  on 
his  chest,  and  over  he  went,  as  sudden  as  though  shot. 

I  have  no  doubt  that  the  captain  supposed  the  lady  was  about 
to  renew  the  attack,  for  he  commenced  kicking  with  wonderful 
vigor,  and  swearing  that  she  did  not  fight  fair. 

44  They  will  kill  each  other,"  cried  the  governor.  "  O,  senor 
captain,  do  something.  Save  them,  captain.  I'll  hold  the  light." 

This  was  an  important  office,  though  not  a  dangerous  one.  I 
could  not  decline  the  position  assigned  me  ;  consequently  I  moved 
forward,  avoiding  the  heels  of  the  one  and  the  claws  of  the  other, 
and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  raising  Dorothea  from  the  floor ; 
but  in  her  fury  she  supposed  that  I  was  hostile  to  her ;  conse- 
quently she  aimed  a  blow  at  my  nose,  which  I  narrowly  escaped, 
and  before  she  could  repeat  it  I  had  pinioned  her  arms  to  her 
side,  although  she  made  use  of  her  feet,  and  kicked  at  my  shins 
with  great  goodwill ;  and  had  her  feet  been  covered  with  shoes,  I 
should  have  suffered  some. 

"  Coward  ! "  she  cried,  "  release  me  or  I'll  scratch  your  eyes 
out." 

"  Hold  her,"  responded  the  governor.  "  Don't  let  her  do  more 
mischief." 

"  Stick  to  her,  Pepper,"  roared  Bunker.  "  Don't  let  her  loose. 
Look  at  my  face." 

My  prisoner,  in  a  short  time,  came  to  her  senses,  and  ceased 
her  struggles.  She  began  to  realize  her  position,  and  to  distin- 
guish friends  from  foes.  I  must  confess  that  I  was  glad  of  this, 
for  holding  an  insane  woman  is  not  an  agreeable  occupation. 

"  Let  me  go,"  Dorothea  cried.     "  I  will  keep  quiet." 

On  this  promise  I  released  her.  She  made  a  rush  for  the 
door,  but  her  brother  stopped  her. 

"  We  want  an  explanation  of  this,"  he  said. 

"  I  can  give  none,  excepting  that  I  have  been  badly  treated  by 
that  man  ;  "  and  she  pointed  to  Buuker,  who  was  wiping  the 
blood  from  his  face,  and  looking  far  from  happy. 

"  The  wretch  !  "  cried  the  governor.     "  He  shall  suffer  for  this 
,    insult." 

"  I  think  that  he  has  already  suffered,"  exclaimed  Constance. 
"  Look  at  his  face.  It  is  terribly  scratched." 

"  It  is,"  muttered  Don  Oroto^ 
18 


274  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Ask  aunt  why  she  came  here  at  this  hour  of  the  night?"  con- 
tinued the  malicious  little  Constance,  who  seemed  to  enjoy  the 
confusion. 

"  True,  I  had  forgotten  that  important  question,"  the  gov- 
ernor muttered.  He  turned  to  Dorothea  with  a  frown  upon  his 
brow.  "  Why  are  you  here  at  this  hour  of  the  night?  " 

" 1  walked  in  my  sleep." 

"  This  shall  be  investigated,"  the  governor  said,  with  more 
energy  than  I  had  given  him  credit  for. 

"  Pepper,"  exclaimed  Bunker,  who  really  looked  pitiful,  with 
his  lacerated  face,  "  what  do  they  say  about  me?  " 

"  Bunker,"  I  said,  u  the  governor  is  determined  and  resolute. 
He  has  the  power  and  the  will  to  punish  you.  He  thinks  you 
have  insulted  his  sister.  I  pity  you.  You  can  choose  the  method^ 
of  your  death,  however.  That  is  a  great  consolation." 

u  I'm  glad  you  think. so,". was  the  dry  answer.  "  I  look  upon 
the  matter  in  a  different  light.  Dying  ain't  so  very  pleasant. 
S'pose  you  try  it  and  see." 

"  What  does  the  wretch  say?"  asked  the  governor.  "Will 
he  apologize  for  the  insult  that  he  has  offered  my  family." 

"  We  must  first  frighten  him,"  I  answered.  "  He  is  inclined 
to  be  stubborn.  He  says  that  he  merely  attempted  to  kiss  the 
lady." 

"  I  don't  know  what  to  do,"  the  governor  answered.  "  Such  a 
thing  never  occurred  before." 

"  Place  a  soldier  at  the  door  of  the  room,  and  keep  the  captain 
prisoner  for  a  few  days.  That  will  be  punishment  enough  for 
him,"  I  said. 

Don  Oroto  consented  to  the  suggestion,  and,  in  a  few  moments, 
a  sleepy-looking  soldier  was  standing  guard  over  the  whaleman, 
whose  terrors  were  magnified  by  the  operation ;  for  he  thought 
that  his  flirtations  were  likely  to  cost  him  dear. 


A   LITTLE   PLOTTING.  275 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

BUNKER    PROMISES. HE    ESCAPES. A    REAL    COQUETTE. HE 

MAKES   A   PROPOSITION,    AND    IT   IS   AN   ASTONISHING   ONE. 

IN  consequence  of  the  few  rooms  which  the  governor's  house 
contained,  I  found  that,  to  obtain  any  sleep,  it  was  necessary 
I  should  share  the  quarters  of  the  prisoner ;  and  when  Bunker 
saw  that  I  was  about  to  return  to  the  lounge,  which  I  had  occu- 
pied during  the  early  part  of  the  night,  his  delight 'knew  no 
bounds.  He  wanted  some  one  to  talk  to  ;  consequently,  no  sooner 
had  I  lain  down  than  he  opened. 

"  What  do  you  think  they  will  do  with  me?  "  Bunker  asked. 

"It  is  hard  to  tell,  but  I  should  think  you  would  be  shot  or 
hanged." 

"  Don't  you  imagine  a  feller  could  run  for  it,  Pepper?  " 

"  What  do  you  mean?  escape?  "  I  asked. 

"  Yes,  that's  it.     Can't  you  help  me  ?  " 

"  Would  you  leave  port  as  soon  as  you  gained  your  vessel?"  I 
asked. 

"  You  better  believe  I  would.  I  know  the  way  out.  Let  me 
get  clear  of  this,  and  you  see  if  I  don't  cut* stick." 

I  glanced  towards  the  sentinel.  He  was  dozing  at  the  door. 
A  light  was  burning  in  our  room,  but  I  shied  a  hat  at  it  and  ex- 
tinguished it. 

"  What's  that  for?  "  asked  Bunker. 

"  Listen  to  me,  and  I'll  tell  you.  I  intend  to  assist  you  to 
escape,  but  you  must  promise  that  if  we  meet  hereafter,  you  will 
no  longer  pretend  that  I  once  belonged  on  board  your  vessel.  Do 
you  consent?  " 

"  Of  course  I  do.  Do  you  think  I'm  a  fool?  All  I  want  is  to 
get  clear  of  this  place.  Catch  me  meddlin'  with  women  agin ! 
They  always  get  a  man  into  some  scrape." 

"  But  our  duel.     What  is  to  be  done  with  that?  " 

"  Why,  I'll  apologize.  It's  all  right.  We  don't  want  to  fight 
each  other  —  do  we  ?  " 

"  Not  if  you  are  satisfied.     Now  listen  to  me.     You  must 


2<6  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

escape,  or  you  are  a  dead  man.     The  Spaniards  will  never  for- 
give you.     I  am  certain  of  that." 

"  So  am  I,"  groaned  Bunker. 

"  You  must  escape  by  this  window,  and  make  the  best  of  your 
way  to  the  river.  Take  a  canoe,  and  paddle  to  the  ship.  Get 
under  way,  and  sail  at  once.  Don't  come  back  again.  Go  to 
some  other  island,  and  say  nothing  of  what  has  happened.  You 
understand  me  ?  " 

"  I  should  think  I  do,"  was  the  answer  ;  and  the  next  moment 
I  saw  the  form  of  Bunker  steal  to  the  window,  and  drop  softly  to 
the  ground.  The  sentinel  still  dozed,  and  took  no  notice  of  our 
movements. 

"  Good  by,"  whispered  Bunker.  "  I'm  off.  I  shan't  forget 
you  in  a  hurry..  I  wish  we  could  take  a  drink  together." 

He  left  me.  I  went  to  sleep,  and  did  not  awake  until  daylight, 
when  I  heard  the  sentinel  utter  a  number  of  oaths 'at  the  disap- 
pearance of  his  prisoner.  Of  course  I  pretended  to  be  as  aston- 
ished as  the  soldier,  and  suggested  that  Don  Oroto  be  informed 
-of  the  escape  immediately.  The  sentinel  lighted  a  cigar,  and 
then  hunted  for  the  governor.  His  excellency  was  not  long  in 
making  his  appearance.  He  rubbed  his  eyes,  and  then  asked  my 
opinion  of  the  subject. 

"  I  should  be  glad  that  he  is  gone,"  I  said.  "  Had  he  re- 
mained, what  could  you  have  done  with  him?" 

u  True.  The  saints^be  praised  that  matters  are  no  worse.  He 
has  gone,  and  may  the  devil  go  with  him.  Let  us  have  some 
coffee." 

When  I  reached  the  Helen  I  found  that  the'  Sally  had  sailed 
early  in  the  morning,  and  gone  no  one  knew  where.  So  we  now 
commenced  taking  on  board  cargo  in  earnest.  It  came  full  as 
fast  as  we  wanted  it,  and  the  men  worked  from  daylight  until 
dark  without  murmuring.  At  last  the  hold  was  tilled,  and  we 
only  wanted  our  living  freight  of  turtles,  fowls,  and  pigs ;  and 
while  waiting  for  them,  Don  Oroto  and  his  daughter  came  on 
board,  the  former  to  settle  the  accounts,  and  the  latter  to  coquet 
as  usual,  much  to  the  disgust  of  Lilly,  who  looked  upon  Con- 
stance as  an  intruder,  and  one  who  should  be  expelled.  For  an 
hour  or  two  Don  Oroto,  his  secretary,  and  myself  were  engaged 
in  business  ;  but  after  it  was  settled  to  our  mutual  satisfaction,  1 
had  a  chance  to  spend  a  few  moments  with  Constance. 


A  COQUETTE,  AND  HER  PROPOSAL.  277 

44  I  have  been  dying  to  see  you,"  she  said,  as  I  joined  her  on 
deck,  leaving  the  governor  to  empty  a  bottle  of  wine  in  the  cabin. 
"  I  thought  that  you  would  never  finish  your  figures.  You  men 
are  so  slow  and  tedious." 

I  laughed,  and  she  continued,  — 

"  I  want  to  speak  to  you  on  a  matter  of  importance." 

k'  I  am  all  attention." 

"  The  fact  of  it  is,"  the  young  lady  said,  casting  down  her  eyes, 
44  I  have  a  strong  desire  to  see  California.  You  have  spoken  so 
much  about  it  that  I  should  like  to  visit  it." 

I  was  silent  —  too  astonished  to  speak.  What  did  the  young 
lady  mean  ?  Was  it  a  gentle  method  of  declaring  her  love  for 
me  ?  It  did  look  like  it. 

"  How  do  you  propose  to  go  ? "  I  asked,  after  a  moment's 
silence. 

"  I  thought,"  cried  Constance,  with  a  modest  blush,  "  that  I 
would  go  with  you,  provided  you  had  no  objections." 

44  But  what  would  your  father  say  ?  " 

"  O,  he  must  not  know  it,  and  you  must  swear  to  me  that  you 
will  not  say  one  word  to  him  on  the  subject.  He  would  not  like 
to  part  with  me,  I  know." 

I  shook  my  head. 

"  I  cannot  wrong  your  father  in  the  manner  you  desire.  It 
would  be  an  act  of  ingratitude  too  base  for  my  nature." 

"  Don't  I  tell  you  that  I  will  be  responsible  for  all  blame?  I 
will  leave  word  that  you  had  nothing  to  do  with  my  elopement  — 
that  you  are  not  aware  that  I  am  on  board.  Will  that  suit 
you?" 

u  No,  I  confess  that  it  will  not." 

The  little  beauty  stamped  her  foot  and  paused. 

"  You  do  not  love  me,"  she  said. 

I  smiled  and  remained  silent. 

44  You  are  too  mean  to  give  me  a  passage  to  California ! "  she 
exclaimed.  4t  I  did  not  think  it  of  you." 

This  touched  me. 

44  Obtain  your  father's  consent,  and- 1  shall  be  happy  to  give 
you  a  passage.  Until  then  — " 

u  You  refuse?"  she  asked. 

"  Yes." 

She  remained  silent  for  a  moment,  and  then  laid  her  hand  on 


278  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

mine,  and  looked  up  with  such  an  innocent  expression  in  her 
eyes,  that  I  felt  my  resolution  shaken. 

"  Listen  to  me  for  a  moment ! "  she  exclaimed ;  and  a  blush 
mantled  her  face  as  she  spoke.  "  I  love  you,  and  will  follow  you 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  If  I  do  not  leave  in  your  vessel,  I  will 
in  the  next  one  that  stops  at  the  island.  I  will  seek  for  you  in 
California  aud  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  never  rest  until  I  find 
you.  Do  you  think  that  I  am  in  earnest  now?  " 

I  was  forced  to  confess  that  she  was. 

"  You  need  not  know  that  I  am  on  board.  You  may  suspect 
it,  but  you  must  not  make  inquiries  until  out  of  sight  of  land.  Do 
you  understand  ?  " 

I  managed  to  say  "  yes,"  but  it  was  very  faint. 

"  Then  say  not  one  word  of  this.  Let  me  see  if  you  can  keep 
a  secret.  To  show  that  I  am  in  earnest,  you  may  kiss  me." 

She  put  up  her  red  lips,  and  I  touched  them,  wondering  if  I 
was  awake  or  dreaming. 

"  You  love  me  a  little  —  do  you  not?  "  she  whispered. 

I  pressed  her  hand,  but  remained  silent.  I  was  thinking  how 
I  could  avoid  my  embarrassments.  She  must  have  read  my 
thoughts  by  the  aid  of  her  sharp  eyes,  for  she  said,  — 

"  Do  not  deceive  me.    If  you  do,  all  my  love  will  turn  to  hate." 

"  And  suppose  you  deceive  me?  "  I  asked. 

*'  O,  there  is  no  danger  of  that,"  she  answered,  with  a  blush, 
and  turned  away. 

I  had  thought  of  sailing  the  next  day,  and  wondered  if  I  could 
not  hurry  my  movements,  so*  that  I  could  leave  before*  the  time 
designated.  At  least  the  attempt  should  be  made. 

"  Remember,"  whispered  Constance,  "  I  insist  that  you  do  not 
speak  to  me  until  we  are  out  sight  of  land.  Promise  me." 

I  promised,  but  hoped  that  Constance  would  be  prevented  from 
carrying  out  her  intentions  ;  for  with  my  increase  of  years  came 
sober  thoughts  of  morality  and  virtue,  and  how  necessary  they 
were  to  happiness. 

"  Come  and  see  us  again,"  said  the  governor,  as  the  boat  was 
ready  to  shove  off.  u  You  shall  always  be  welcome." 

"  Padre,"  cried  Constance,  "  may  I  go  to  California  with  the 
senor  ?  " 

She  laughed  as  she  spoke,  and  her  father  supposed  that  she 
was  joking. 


KAMAKA    ONCE   MORE.  279 

"  O,  yes,  if  he  will  take  you." 

"  You  see,"  she  cried,  "  I  have  his  consent ; "  and  the  boat 
left  the  side  of  the  vessel,  and  pulled  towards  the  mouth  of  the 
river. 

"  It  can't  be  possible,"  I  thought,  "  that  Constance  will  carry 
out  her  threat.  It  would  ruin  her  reputation  and  my  own.  I 
should  have  a  row  with  Lilly,  and  what  is  of  more  importance, 
lose  Julia  forever." 

In  the  midst  of  these  reflections  a  canoe  paddled  alongside,  and 
two  men  came  on  deck  and  walked  aft,  hats  in  hand.  To  my 
surprise,  I  saw  that  one  of  them  was  Bushy,  a  boat-steerer  on  board 
the  Sally,  and  the  other  was  Kamaka,  the  kanaka  who  had  at- 
tempted to  rival  me  as  a  suitor  for  Lilly's  love. 

"  Beg  pardon  for  disturbing  you,"  cried  Bushy,  "  but  we  ran 
away  from  the  old  Sally  last  night.  Had  enough  of  her,  you 
know.  Poor  tub.  Hope  you  will  give  us  a  passage  somewhere." 

"  I  will  take  you,"  I  said  to  the  American,  "  but  as  for  the 
kanaka,  I  will  not  receive  him  on  any  account.  He  knows  the 
reason  why." 

The  tattooed  rascal  showed  his  teeth,  but  did  not  look  dis- 
appointed. He  was  about  to  turn  away,  when,  as  ill  luck  would 
have  it,  Lilly  came  from  the  cabin  without  her  cap,  thus  exposing 
her  face  and  head.  I  saw  Kamaka  start,  and  then  I  knew  that  my 
secret  was  exposed.  I  ordered  Lilly  to  the  cabin,  but  I  was  too 
late.  Like  a  man  of  the  world,  I  should  have  made  the  most  of 
the  matter,  and  attempted  to  win  the  kanaka  by  acts  of  kindness ; 
but  I  was  young  and  thoughtless,  and  did  not  think  of  such  things. 

"  You  no  want  me,  cap'n  ?  "  asked  the  kanaka. 

"  No." 

"  O,  wal,  me  go  shore.  Me  no  want  to  stay  here.  Me  find 
udder  ships.  Me  see  you  in  Honolulu.  Me  recollect  dis." 

Bushy  saw  that  I  could  not  be  turned  from  my  purpose.  He 
went  to  the  canoe,  and  removed  his  clothes ;  then  the  kanaka 
shoved  off,  and  paddled  for  the  shore.  He  fired  a  parting  shot, 
however,  which  rather  raked  me. 

"  I  say,"  the  rascal  cried,  u  you  s'pose  de  young  lady  in  Hon- 
olulu no  hear  of  dis,  hey?  Can't  love  two  women  at  the  same 
time." 

"Why  did  you  leave  the  cabin?"  I  asked,  turning  to  Lilly 
rather  angrily,  although  the  fault  was  not  hers. 


280  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Why  did  I  leave  my  native  village?"  she  answered,  with  a 
sigh.  u  If  ever  I  return  I  will  remain  there." 

I  made  no  reply,  for  her  words  stung  me  to  the  quick.  The 
next  day,  just  at  dusk,  our  live  stock  came  on  board  and  was 
taken  care  of,  and  then  I  was  ready  to  sail ;  but  unfortunately 
there  was  not  a  breath  of  wind,  and  I  was  compelled  to  remain 
at  anchor  until  morning.  This  I  regretted,  because  I  feared  thai 
Constance  would  pay  me  a  visit  during  the  night ;  and  my  fears 
were  realized,  for  about  twelve  o'clock  a  canoe  arrived  alongside, 
and  it  contained  a  woman  and  a  man.  The  former  was  veiled  so 
closely  with  a  mantilla,  that  I  could  not  see  her  face  ;  and,  re- 
membering my  promise,  I  did  not  try  to.  I  escorted  the  lady  to 
her  state-room,  she  .locked  the  door,  as  though  fearful  of  impor- 
tunities, and  I  was  left  in  the  cabin  to  meditate  upon  the  foolish 
position  in  which  I  was  placed.  From  my  reverie  I  was  aroused 
by  a  light  hand  laid  upon  my  shoulder.  I  started  up,  expecting 
to  see  Constance ;  but  to  my  surprise  I  saw  Lilly,  whom  I  sup- 
posed asleep. 

"What  does  that  woman  want  on  board  this- vessel?"  she 
asked,  rather  sternly  ;  and  I  saw  that  all  the  jealousy  of  her 
nature  was  aroused. 

"  I  do  not  know,"  was  my  reply. 

"It  is  false ;  you  do  know.  She  is  the  young  girl  with  the 
white  face,  and  you  love  her." 

"  What  nonsense  you  talk,  Lilly ! "  I  replied,  with  a  forced 
smile.  "  The  young  lady  is  going  to  California  as  a  passenger. 
I  do  riot  want  to  take  her,  but  am  compelled  to." 

The  kanaka  girl  expressed  her  disgust  by  a  look,  and  said  not 
another  word.  I  lay  down  on  the  transom,  and  slept  until  day- 
light, when  I  was  called  by  the  anchor  watch,  and  informed  that 
a  breeze  was  blowing  off  shore,  and  that  the  pilot  was  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river,  pulling  in  our  direction.  In  a  few  minutes  I 
was  on  deck,  and  ordered  all  hands  called  ;  and  by  the  time  Wilson 
was"  alongside,  we  had  hove  short. 

a  Are  you  all  ready?  "  the  pilot  asked. 

"  Yes  ;  say  the  word  and  we  will  be  off." 

"  Sorry  to  lose  you,"  Wilson  cried.  "  You  have  given  us  life 
and  fun.  Come  again  when  you  can.  Got  a  few  things  in  the 
boat,  which  the  governor  sends  you  to  show  his  good  feeling. 
He  also  told  me  to  tell  you  that  whatever  happened,  you  might 
expect  his  forgiveness." 


A    HEALTHY   APPETITE.  281 


I  started  at  this  information.  It  seemed  as  though  he  knew 
of  the  elopement  of  his  daughter,  and  took  this  method  of  assuring 
me  that  I  was  not  blamed  for  the  part  I  had  taken.  Did 
Don  Oroto  suppose  that  I  was  in  love  with  his  child,  and  was 
lie  willing  to  trust  to  my  honor?  If  such  was  the  case,  I  would 
not  disappoint  him.  The  presents  which  the  governor  sent  me 
consisted  of  sweetmeats,  prepared  in  the  highest  style  of  art, 
and  a  few  boxes  of  cake,  of  home  manufacture.  In  return  I  di- 
rected that  some  cases  of  wine  should  be  sent  to  Don  Oroto,  also 
a  piece  of  silk  suitable  for  ladies'  dresses.  I  then  made  Wilson 
a  present,  and  in  half  an  hour's  time  we  were  over  the  reef, 
bounding  towards  California. 

During  the  afternoon  I  saw  Jake  pass  into  the  cabin  tea 
and  toast,  and  surmised  whom  the  articles  were  for  J  although,  to 
tell  the  truth,  I  had  not  given  my  lady  passenger  that  attention 
which  her  merits  demanded,  for  I  had  been  very  busy  during 
the  day. 

"  Steward,"  I  asked,  "  how  is  your  patient?  " 

"  Well,  cap'n,  to  tell  de  bressed  truth,  de  woman  am  well,  I 
dink,  for  she  keep  makin'  signs  to  me  to  bring  her  more  grub. 
She  eat  all  de  time." 

I  should  have  demanded  an  interview  with  the  lady,  if  I  had 
not  promised  that  I  would  not  speak  with  her  until  the  second 
day  out.  The  next  morning,  while  at  breakfast,  I  saw  the  stew- 
ard enter  Constance's  state-room,  with  a  substantial  breakfast, 
and  in  a  few  moments  I  heard  high  words,  and  then  a  crash  of 
broken  dishes.  I  arose  from  the  table  for  the  purpose  of  ascer- 
taining the  cause  of  the  alarm,  but  before  I  could  leave  it  Jake 
plunged  headlong  into  the  cabin,  his  face  streaming  with  blood, 
and  his  eyes  distorted  with  terror. 

"  I  radder  wait  upon  de  debil  dan  dat  woman,"  he  said.  "  Look 
at  my  face." 

I  did  look  at  him,  and  was  unable  to  say  one  word,  or  ask  an 
explanation,  for  a  few  moments. 

While  I  stood  gazing  at  Jake,  unable  to  comprehend  the  mean- 
ing of  his  misfortune,  the  negro  was  wiping  the  blood  from  his 
skinned  face,  and  groaning  at  his  humiliating  position. 

"  Could  it  be  possible,"  I  asked  myself*  "  that  the  gentle  Con- 
stance would  treat  a  human  being  in  that  manner,  unless  she  was 
provoked  by  some  great  indignity  ?  " 


282  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Rascal !  "  I  shouted,  "  you  have  insulted  the  lady  in  some 
way,  or  she  would  not  have  scratched  you." 

"  So  help  me  God,"  whined  the  steward,  "  I  only  take  in  'em 
breakfast ;  and  she  look  at  it,  and  den  at  me,  and  den  she  say 
somethiu'  and  fly  at  me.  Dat's  all,  cap'n,  on  de  honor  of  a  col- 
ored gen'man." 

I  was  compelled  to  believe  Jake,  for  he  never  deceived  me ; 
but,  to  satisfy  my  doubts,  I  walked  towards  the  state-room  to  ask 
an  explanation  at  the  hands  of  the  lady. 

"  Don't  you  go,  cap'n,"  Jake  cried.  "  She  treat  you  in  de 
same  way  dat  she  treat  me.  She  perfect  debil  wid  her  finger- 
nails." 

I  did  not  notice  his  remonstrance,  but  passed  on,  and  was  just 
about  to  lay  my  hand  on  the  knob  of  the  door,  when  the  latter 
was  suddenly  opened,  and  the  senorita  Dorothea  stood  before  me. 
The  surprise  was  so  great  that  I  staggered  back  ;  and  Jake,  think- 
ing that  I  was  attacked,  shouted,  — 

"  Look  out  for  de  nails,  cap'n,  'cos  she  got  sharp  ones." 

u  There  is  some  mistake  here,"  I  murmured,  speaking  in  Span- 
ish. "  I  thought  that  —  " 

"  Don't  tell  me  what  you  think,"  cried  Dorothea.  "  I  thought 
when  you  offered  me  a  passage  on  board  this  vessel,  that  I  was 
to  be  treated  as  a  lady  ;  still  it  was  very  kind  on  your  part  to  send 
a  pressing  message  to  me  through  that  giddy  flirt,  Constance." 

I  did  not  understand  her,  and  said  so. 

"  O,  don't  blush  at  the  generosity  you  displayed.  You  know 
what  I  mean." 

Hang  me  if  I  did,  but  I  waited  for  an  explanation.  I  did  not 
wish  to  commit  myself. 

"  When  Constance  first  spoke  to  me  on  the  subject,  I  was  in- 
clined to  doubt,  for  I  feared  a  trick ;  but  she  talked  fair,  and  I 
agreed  to  accept  your  terms." 

"  My  terms?"  I  murmured,  in  astonishment. 

"  Of  course.     Shall  I  repeat  them  ?  " 

"  If  you  please." 

"  Perhaps  I  had  better  relate  all  the  particulars.  The  day 
before  you  sailed,  Constance  informed  me  that  she  had  had  a 
long  and  confidential  conversation  with  you  ;  that  I  was  the  sub- 
ject of  that  conversation.  She  had  pleaded  in  my  behalf,  and 
after  some  demurring  you  had  agreed  to  receive  me  on  board  as 


O,   WHAT   A   WICKED    SELL.  283 

a  guest,  to  seek  Captain  Myers,  —  whom  I  have  seen  at  the  gov- 
ernor's, and  who  you  say  is  now  in  California,  —  persuade  him 
to  marry  me,  or,  if  he  refused,  to  obtain  some  suitable  husband. 
Of  course  I  accepted  such  terms  —  why  should  I  not  ?  " 

I  groaned  at  the  words. 

44  What  is  the  matter  with  you  ?  "  she  asked.    "  Are  you  sick  ?  " 

"  No,  no  ;  go  on  with  your  romance ; "  for  I  felt  that  it  was  a 
romance  she  was  relating. 

44  The  only  conditions  which  my  niece  exacted  ware  these.  I 
should  not  speak  after  reaching  the  vessel,  and  I  should  remain 
in  my  state-room  until  out  of  sight  of  land.  She  said  you  were 
firm  on  these  points,  and  I  consented  to  abide  by  them.  I  did, 
and  here  I  am." 

I  saw  in  an  instant  the  manner  in  which  that  arrant  coquette, 
Constance,  had  cheated  and  fooled  me.  She  had  blinded  me  with 
pretensions,  and  I  had  not  seen  the  trick.  With  all  my  smart- 
ness I  had  allowed  a  little  vain  Spanish  girl  to  get  the  best  of 
me.  She  had  pretended  that  she  was  to  take  passage  with  me, 
and  exacted  certain  promises  the  more  effectually  to  blind  me  to 
her  designs. 

I  will  not  recount  in  a  minute  manner  all  that  I  underwent  at 
the  hands  of  Dorothea  during  that  dreadful  passage  to  California. 
I  endured  much,  and  the  recollection  of  it  still  makes  me  shudder. 
At  one  time  the  lunatic  —  for  I  could  call  her  no  less  —  chased 
me  all  over  the  deck  for  the  purpose  of  clawing  my  face,  simply 
because  I  would  not  allow  her  a  cask  of  fresh  water  in  which 
she  could  take  a  bath.  At  another  time  she  threw  a  cup  at  my 
head  because  I  would  not  praise  her  beauty ;  and  when  she  dis- 
covered that  Lilly  was  a  girl,  her  rage  was  ferocious,  and  she 
threatened  to  pitch  the  kanaka  overboard,  alleging  that  her  pres- 
ence was  an  insult.  The  steward  had  no  peace,  night  or  day.  Tn 
the  middle  of  the  night  he  would  be  called  from  his  bed  to  make 
coffee  and  toast  for  the  amiable  passenger,  whose  appetite  was 
never  satisfied.  Jake  feared  her,  and  so  did  I,  and  so  did  every 
one  on  board. 

At  last  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  sighting  the  coast  mountains 
of  California ;  and,  upon  my  conscience,  as  soon  as  land  was  dis- 
covered, Dorothea  commenced  dressing,  as  though  she  was  to 
meet  her  beau  in  a  very  few  hours  ;  and  when  she  came  on  deck, 
arrayed  in  her  best  garments,  she  actually  looked  and  appeared 


284  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

amiable,  and  a  smile  was  on  her  lips — the  first  one  I  had  seen 
since  she  drank  a  bottle  of  champagne  at  one  sittmg. 

"  So,  this  is  California,"  Dorothea  said,  pointing  to  the  coast 
range.  "  Well,  provided  I  find  a  husband  that  will  love  me,  I 
care  not  what  kind  of  land  it  is." 

She  sat  down  upon  a  hen-coop,  and  looked  towards  the  moun- 
tains, and  did  not  remove  her  eyes  from  them  until  dinner-time. 
She  seemed  to  have  lost  much  of  her  former  fierceness,  and  when 
Jake  handed  her  a  plate  of  soup,  at  the  table,  instead  of  scowling 
at  the  steward,  she  actually  smiled  on  him,  and  intimated  that  he 
would  be  rewarded  when  she  was  comfortably  settled  for  life. 

We  had  made  the  land  to  the  windward  of  San  Francisco,  so 
were  compelled  to  run  down  the  coast  some  five  or  ten  miles 
before  we  sighted  the  Farrallones  Islands.  Steering  for  San 
Francisco  were  half  a  dozen  craft ;  one,  a  new  clipper  ship  called 
the  Sea  Ranger,  the  best  looking  specimen  of  marine  architecture 
that  I  had  ever  seen  at  that  time.  She  hailed  from  New  York, 
and  was  an  honor  to  the  city.  She  passed  within  twenty  fathoms 
of  us,  and  I  noticed  that  her  quarter-deck  was  covered  with  pas- 
sengers, most  of  whom  saluted  us  by  touching  their  caps,  while 
several  ladies  waved  their  handkerchiefs,  which  was  responded  to 
by  Dorothea  and  my  crew.  The  ship  sailed  two  feet  to  our  one ; 
so  of  course  she  passed  us,  and  we  followed  in  her  wake,  and  she 
piloted  us  into  the  harbor.  A  great  change  had  taken  place  since 
my  first  visit.  There  were  two  or  three  hundred  vessels  lying  at 
anchor  directly  in  front  of  the  town,  but  most  of  them  deserted, 
with  the  exception  of  one  man,  who  acted  as  ship-keeper.  There 
were  crafts  of  all  nations  in  the  bay,  but  the  most  numerous  dis- 
played the  star-spangled  banner,  and  I  can  safely  add  that  those 
which  hoisted  the  best  and  handsomest  flag  the  world  ever  saw, 
were  the  most  admirable  specimens  of  marine  architecture  in  port. 
I  took  one  hasty  look  at  the  town,  while  the  schooner  was  working 
her  way  through  the  shipping,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  an  inside 
berth.  Houses  had  sprung  up  as  if  by  magic,  and  extended  along 
the  sides  of  Telegraph  Hill.  All  through  Happy  Valley  were 
tents  and  wooden  buildings,  the  latter  struggling  for  the  supremacy, 
but  unable  to  crush  out  the  blackened  canvas  walls. 

"  God  help  that  place  if  a  fire  ever  breaks  out,"  said  Bushy, 
the  man  who  had  escaped  from  the  Sally.  He  was  standing  near 
me  at  the  time  he  gave  utterance  to  his  thoughts. 


THE    GAMBLING   TABLES.  235 

I  had  not  thought  of  fire,  but  I  could  not  repress  a  shudder  as 
I  pondered  over  the  damage  which  the  flames  w.ould  inflict  if  they 
once  got  under  way. 

We  were  no  sooner  at  anchor  than  we  were  boarded  by  a  cus- 
tom-house officer,  a  man  who  looked  as  though  he  was  in  a  hurry, 
and  disliked  trouble.  When  he  reached  the  deck  Dorothea 
rushed  towards  him. 

"Where,"  she  asked,  in  Spanish,  "is  Captain  Myers?" 

"  Hullo,  old  lady,  what's  the  matter  witli  you?"  cried  the  of- 
ficial, somewhat  astonished  at  the  question.  He  thought  she 
was  a  lunatic. 

I  led  her  to  the  cabin,  and  calmed  her  with  a  few  words,  and 
then  returned  to  the  custom-house  officer,  who  despatched  his  duty 
in  a  short  time,  and  left  me,  with  two  dozen  oranges  in  his  pocket 
handkerchief.  I  learned  from  my  visitor,  however,  that  no  ves- 
sel had  arrived  from  the  Sandwich  Islands  loaded  with  vegetables, 
and  that  fruit  of  all  kinds  was  unknown  in  the  market.  This  was 
consoling,  for  I  feared  that  some  of  the  merchants  of  Honolulu 
had  got  the  start  of  me. 

As  soon  as  the  sails  were  furled  I  went  on  shore  and  saw  the 
collector,  gave  him  an  invoice  of  my  cargo,  and  received  a  permit 
to  land  what  I  pleased,  without  delay.  As  soon  as  I  had  left  the 
collector  I  went  to  the  Parker  House,  and  found  that  it  was  the 
same  busy  place  that  it  was  when  I  first  knew  it.  I  saw  that 
the  gambling  tables  had  increased,  and  that  they  were  loaded 
wiih  coins  and  bars  of  gold,  and  some  had  silver  piled  a  foot  high, 
but  no  coin  was  less  than  a  dollar.  I  noticed  the  table  at  which 
I  had  won  so  much  money,  but  a  stranger  had  charge  of  it  —  an 
American,  I  thought.  The  Chilian,  he  informed  me,  had  gone  to 
the  mines  some  weeks  before.  I  left  the  house,  and  walked  to- 
wards the  spot  where  I  had  last  seen  Captain  Myers,  the  jolly 
whaleman,  but  the  ground  which  his  tent  occupied  was  covered 
wilh  a  large  wooden  hotel  ;  and,  to  my  surprise,  I  read  on  the 
front  of  the  building,  in  block  letters,  these  words  :  "  The  Con- 
necticut House."  While  I  was  wondering  at  this,  I  saw  a  red- 
faced  man,  dressed  in  fancy-colored  clothes,  saunter  out  of  the 
hotel,  his  hat  on  one  side  of  his  head,  his  hands  in  his  pock- 
ets, and  such  an  air  of  independence  in  his  swagger,  that  I  was 
awed,  and  supposed  the  man  was  some  great  merchant,  who 
had  made  a  fortuue,  and  did  not  care  if  people  knew  it.  But  aa 


286  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

he  glanced  up  at  the  front  of  the  hotel,  the  hat  was  disarranged, 
and  I  saw  his  face.  To  my  surprise  I  found  that  the  flashy  dressed 
man  was  no  other  than  the  one  I  desired  to  see  above  all  others, 
ex-captain  Joseph  Myers. 

It  took  me  but  a  moment  to  cross  the  street  and  slap  my  old 
friend  on  the  back,  an  act  which  astonished  him  so  much  that  he 
turned  round  with  a  jerk,  and  narrrovvly  escaped  pitching  his  hat 
into  the  gutter,  while  the  blood  rushed  to  his  face  till  it  blazed 
like  a  meteor. 

u  What  in  the  devil's  name  do  you  mean  by  such  familiarity?'* 
roared  Myers,  who  did  not  recognize  me.  "  Do  you  know  me, 
sir?" 

"  I  should  think  I  did,"  I  answered,  with  a  smile. 

He  looked  at  me  for  a  moment,  and  then  grasped  my  hand  and 
shook  it  most  heartily. 

"  Charley  Allspice,  by  all  that  is  lovely !  'Gad,  I'm  glad  to 
see  you.  Come  in  ;  "  and  he  dragged  me  into  the  house,  asking 
a  multitude  of  questions  at  the  same  time. 

u  Dinner  in  number  two,"  shouted  Myers  to  the  men  who  stood 
behind  the  bar,  most  of  them  busy  serving  out  drinks  to  very 
thirsty  customers. 

We  went  up  stairs  and  entered  a  room  that  was  well  furnished, 
and  which  overlooked  the  street. 

"  Here  we  can  be  quiet  and  undisturbed.  I  haven't  been  to 
dinner,  and  I  suppose  that  you  haven't.  No  matter  if  you  have  ; 
you  must  dine  with  me.  When  did  you  arrive  ? "  and  Myers 
jerked  the  bell  as  though  he  was  in  a  hurry.  "  A  bottle  of 
wine,"  he  said  to  the  man  who  answered  the  call.  u  Let  it  be 
good  and  cool." 

Myers  noted  my  look  of  astonishment,  and  laughed. 

"I'll  explain  all  presently.    But  tell  me,  when  did  you  arrive  ?' 

"  Two  hours  since  —  not  more." 

"  What  have  you  brought?" 

44  Fruit  and  vegetables." 

"Good.  You  are  just  in  time.  There  is  hardly  a  vegetable 
in  the  market.  I  shall  want  some  of  you.  and  will  pay  the  cur- 
rent rates.  If  your  cargo  is  in  good  condition  you  will  make  a 
strike." 

"  It  is  in  good  condition,  as  far  as  I  know." 

u  That's  right.  I'm  glad  to  hear  it,  for  I  haven't  forgotten 
your  kindness.  You  see  me  here  in  this  house  —  don't  you?" 


SELLING   HOUSE   LOTS.  287 

"  I  should  think  that  I  did.     Are  you  boarding  here?" 

"  Yes,  I  am  ;  but  the  proprietor  never  presents  his  bill ;  "  and 
Myers  laughed. 

"  How  is  that?" 

"  Well,  to  explain  :  I  own  the  building,  and  it  is  paid  for. 
Everything  in  the  house  in  the  way  of  furniture  and  fixings  I 
own,  and  have  paid  for.  You  are  surprised  —  ain't  you?" 

I  confessed  that  I  was,  for  it  seemed  strange  that  the  man  who 
a  few.  months  before  had  received  a  few  dollars  from  me  for  the 
purpose  of  supporting  himself  until  work  was  found,  should  now 
own  a  hotel,  bar-room,  gambling  saloon,  and  all  the  parapher- 
nalia connected  with  such  an  establishment.  It  was  strange,  and 
for  a  moment  I  thought  that  the  whaler  was  deceiving  me. 

"  No  wonder  you  look  astonished,"  Myers  cried,  as  the  dinner 
was  brought  in.  "  But  I  have  made  money  the  past  three  months. 
Would  you  like  to  learn  the  secret  ?  " 

I  said  that  I  would,  and  the  whaler  waited  until  the  servant  had 
left  the  room,  when  he  continued,  — 

u  I  made  money  when  I  was  under  the  tent,  gambling  and  sell- 
ing liquor ;  but  that  didn't  suit  me.  I  wanted  more.  I  com- 
menced selling  land." 

"  Selling  land  !  "  I  repeated.  "  I  did  not  know  that  you  owned 
any." 

"  Well,  I  didn't  at  one  time  ;  but,  when  I  saw  men  claim  house 
lots  and  sell  them,  I  thought  that  I  might  make  a  few  honest  dol- 
lars by  the  operation.  I  commenced  business  in  that  line,  and 
made  money.  Every  house  lot  that  I  could  find,  not  claimed,  I 
pretended  to  own,  and  sold  to  the  man  who  would  pay  the  highest 
price." 

"But  was  there  no  objection  to  this?"  I  asked. 

u  Of  course  there  was.  Sometimes  I  had  a  fight  over  a  lot, 
but  I  always  had  a  big  fellow  to  assist  me,  and  consequently 
whipped.  Occasionally  I  would  find  a  man  who  had  a  better 
right  to  the  property  than  myself,  and  then  I  did  the  fair  thing. 
I  compromised,  he  paying  me  something  for  my  claim.  In  this 
way  money  came  in  with  a  rush,  and  I  was  enabled  to  build  this 
house." 

u  But  you  could  give  no  valid  title  to  purchasers,"  I  urged. 

"  Well,  I  don't  know  about  that.  I  gave  them  papers,  and 
signed  them,  and  I  got  the  money.  If  that  ain't  valid,  I  don't 
know  what  is." 


288  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  But  where  are  the  original  owners  of  the  land?  "  I  asked,  lost 
in  astonishment  at  the  man's  impudence. 

u  God  only  knows  —  I  don't,"  piously  exclaimed  the  whaler 
"  You  wouldn't  have  me  hunt  around  for  them  —  would  you  ?  " 

"But  there -will  be  trouble  at  some  future  time,"  I  urged. 

"  This  is  a  world  of  trouble,"  was  the  rejoinder.  "  A  man 
can't  go  through  it  without  meeting  with  some  disagreeable 
things.  Until  that  trouble  occurs,  my  deeds  are  as  good  as  an- 
other's." 

"  But  it  astonishes  me  to  think  that  you  can  find  people  ready 
to  accept  of  your  deeds,"  I  remarked. 

"  I'm  as  much  astonished  at  times  as  you  are,"  was  the  laugh- 
ing answer.  u  But  the  people  here  are  insane.  They  all  want 
to  make  money  in  short  order,  and  to  do  so  they  are  willing  to 
run  some  risk." 

"  But  suppose  you  should  be  prosecuted  for  selling  the  land?" 
I  asked. 

"  I  don't  think   there's  much   fear  of  that.     Before  the  courts 
are  established  my  lots  will  have  changed  hands  twenty  times.     I 
shall  rely  upon  my  old  Mexican  deeds  if  they  touch  me/' 
-    "  Old  Mexican  deeds  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  O,  1  have  half  a  dozen.  They  were  made  for  me,  and  look 
real  ancient.  They  were  smoked  to  make  them  appear  so.  I 
show  them  to  my  customers,  and  they  are  satisfied.  If  they  are, 
I  am.  I've  made  money  by  the  operation,  and  that  is  all  I  want. 
I'm  worth  over  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  Pretty 
good  for  the  whaler  who  couldn't  pay  his  board-bills  at  Honolulu. 
What  do  you  think?" 

I  did  not  say  that  I  thought  his  money  had  been  obtained  in  a 
dishonest  manner,  for  it  would  not  have  reformed  Myers,  or  pre- 
vented his  gambling. 

"  By  the  way,"  exclaimed  Myers,  u  did  you  come  direct  from 
the  Sandwich  Islands?" 

"  No." 

"  No  ?     Where  from,  then  ?  " 

"  From  the  Ladrone  Islands."  I  pronounced  the  words  with 
an  effort,  and  watched  to  see  the  effect. 

u  The  devil !     How's  my  old  flame,  Dorothea? 

u  She  is  well  and  handsomer  than  ever,"  I  remarked.  ;*  She 
often  spoke  of  you,  and  always  with  a  sigh.  She  must  have 
loved  you  very  dearly." 


DANGEROUS   NEGOTIATIONS.  289 

"  Gammon  !  "  he  exclaimed.  "  She  loved  nothing  unless  it 
was  her  dinner.  You  can't  play  that  on  me,  you  know." 

It  was  quite  evident  that  the  whaler  had  an  increased  idea  of 
his  own  importance  since  his  acquisition  of  wealth,  and  although 
there  were  not  fifty  women  in  San  Francisco,  yet  I  very  much 
doubted  if  Myers  would  not  prefer  to  wait  for  an  importation  in- 
stead of  accepting  the  stock  which  I  had  on  hand. 

"  Come,"  cried  the  whaler,  ringing  for  a  second  bottle  of  wine, 
"  tell  me  how  you  passed  your  time  at  the  Ladrones.  You  saw 
Wilscn,  the  governor,  and  —  " 

"  Dorothea,"  I  added. 

The  captain  laughed.     "  Is  she  married?"  he  asked. 

"  I  don't  think  that  she  will  ever  marry  unless  you  offer  her 
your  hand,"  I  said. 

The  wretch  laughed  in  my  face.  "  I  can't  go  to  the  Ladrones 
for  a  wife.  It  wouldn't  pay.  I  can't  leave  my  business.  My 
lots  must  be  looked  after.  It  is  only  yesterday  that  I  seized  six 
on  Montgomery  Street.  They  are  too  valuable  to  be  neglected. 
No,  Dorothea  must  come  to  me,  if  she  wants  a  husband." 

"My  dear  friend,"  I  exclaimed,  seizing  his  hand  and  pressing 
it,  "  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  speak  thus.  Dorothea  is  here.  Shfe 
still  loves  you,  and  desires  to  become  your  wife.  Don't  speak," — 
for  I  saw  that  the  whaler  desired  to  roar  out  an  oath.  "  Don't 
thank  me,"  I  continued.  "  It  was  on  your  account  that  I  took 
the  trouble.  You  don't  know  how  she  has  thought  of  a  joyous 
meeting.  But  you  must  see  her  at  once." 

"  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  do,  and  that's  plump,"  was  the  reply.  "  I 
don't  want  her.  I  didn't  tell  you  to  bring  her  —  did  I?  I  ain't 
going  to  thank  you  ;  not  much." 

I  emptied  my  wine-glass  and  arose  from  the  table  with  a  grave 
face  and  a  sinking  heart.  I  saw  that  it  was  necessary  I  should 
change  my  plans. 

"  I  must  leave  you,"  I  said.  "  I  must  return  to  the  Helen,  and 
crush  a  timid  heart  with  the  news  which  I  offer.  She  will  feel 
the  blow  keenly,  but  she  will  bear  up  under  it,  I  think.  It  may 
kill  her  ;  but  I  trust  not." 

"  O,  gammon  !  you  don't  mean  it,  Allspice  !  "  cried  the  whaler. 

"  Where  does  Hatch  do  business  at  the  present  time?"  I 
asked.  "  I  must  ask  his  advice.  He  can  find  a  home  for  the 
lady." 

19 


290  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Damn  it,  Allspice,  apply  to  a  moral  man  for  help,"  cried 
Myers.  "  You  know  he's  the  devil  among  the  girls." 

"  I  will  see  him,  at  any  rate.  Since  you  reject  her,  I  must 
look  in  another  quarter." 

"  You  are  not  going,  Alkpice  ?  " 

"  Yes  ;  I  must.  Dorothea  will  be  anxious  to  hear  from  you. 
She  is  all  impatience.  But  I  must  crush  her  hopes.  You  say 
that  Hatch  is  on  Montgomery  Street  —  do  you?  " 

"  Yes ;  but  don't  go  near  him.  You  know  what  a  loose  sort 
of  a  fellow  he  is.  Where  is  the  vessel  lying?  " 

"  Off  Clark's  Point.  Come  on  board  and  see  me.  I'll  give 
you  a  dish  of  fruit  and  a  glass  of  wine." 

"  How  long  before  you  will  be  on  board?  "  asked  Myers. 

"  In  an  hour's  time." 

"  I'll  be  there." 

I  left  the  whaler  to  search  for  Hatch,  whose  commission  store 
was  on  Montgomery  Street.  I  had  no  difficulty  in  finding  him.  I 
entered,  and  saw  Hatch  looking  over  his  books  at  the  desk,  a 
cigar  in  his  mouth,  a  black  bottle  and  tumblers  near  his  elbow. 
He  did  not  notice  me  till  I  slapped  him  on  the  back.  He  turned 
sound  with  an  oath  upon  his  lips  ;  but  the  instant  he  caught  sight 
of  my  face,  he  dropped  the  pen  which  he  held  in  his  .hand,  and 
reached  towards  the  whiskey  bottle. 

"  Charley,"  he  said,  "  where  did  you  come  from?  " 

I  told  him  in  a  few  words  ;  but  long  before  I  had  finished  he 
had  thrust  a  glass  of  whiskey  in  my  hand,  and  wa>6  taking  his 
own  share  without  the  slightest  difficulty.  I  related  how  I  had 
received  Dorothea  on  board,  but  I  did  not  mention  that  Constance 
had  tricked  me.  I  told  him  that  it  was  important  she  should 
have  a  husband,  so  that  I  could  be  relieved  of  her  presence,  and 
concluded  by  stating  that  I  needed  his  assistance  in  convincing 
Myers  that  it  was  wrong  on  his  part  to  slight  such  devotion  and 
love.  Hatch  listened  attentively,  and  comprehended  my  meaning 
at  once.  He  closed  his  books  and  put  them  away,  and  then  took 
another  drink. 

"  I  see  that  I  must  go  on  board  with  you  and  meet  this  woman 
face  to  face,"  he  said.  "  I'll  bring  it  about ;  although,  since 
Myers  has  made  money,  he  has  grown  quite  pompous." 

"  And  how  is  your  business?  "  I  asked. 

"  Fair  ;  although  I  have  not  yet  received  a  single  consignment 
from  Honolulu.  Vessels  are  scarce,  I  suppose." 


NOT    HARD   TO    SUIT.  291 

"  Can  you  leave  your  business?  "  I  asked,  as  we  prepared  to 
quit  the  store. 

"  O,  yes ;  my  man  will  look  out  for  it.  But,  see  here,  you 
want  to  sell  your  cargo  —  don't  you  ?  " 

"  Certainly  ;    as  soon  as  possible." 

"  Then  come  with  me  to  the  office  of  the  Alta  Californian.  You 
must  advertise  it.  People  will  know  what  you  have  for  sale,  and 
where  to  find  you." 

After  transacting  business  at  the  office  of  the  paper,  we  walked 
to  Clark's  Point,  where  Will  was  waiting  in  a  boat  for  my  re- 
turn. We  pushed  off,  and  soon  reached  the  IJeleu,  and  the  first 
person  to  welcome  my  arrival  was  Dorothea. 

".Have  you  seen  him?"  she  asked,  after  one  sharp  glance  at 
Hatch. 

"  I  have." 

"  And  did  he  seem  glad  to  hear  of  my  arrival  ?  " 

"  O,  yes." 

"  Who  is  this  man  who  came  on  board  with  you  ?  "  she  asked. 

u  A  friend  of  mine." 

"Married?" 

"  No ;  single." 

Dorothea  remained  silent  for  a  moment,  and  then  she  said,  — 

"  I  am  not  particular  about  the  whaler  if  you  know  of  any 
other  moral  man  who  will  treat  me  kindly.  This  senor  is  good 
looking.  Is  he  a  Catholic  ?  " 

"  No." 

I  answered  her  rather  short,  for  I  began  to  think  that  she  would 
trouble  me  for  life. 

"  Well,  I  don't  care  touch.  Let  me  talk  with  him.  The  more 
I  see  of  him  the  more  I  like  him." 

I  had  to  introduce  them,  but  I  cautioned  Hatch  of  the  danger 
he  was  in ;  the  fellow  was  delighted,  efnd  began  to  appear  as 
fascinating  as  possible.  The  frint  which  I  had  conveyed  to  him 
was  sufficient  to  inflate  his  vanity,  and,  man-like,  he  desired  to 
stand  well  in  the  estimation  of  the  first  woman  he  had  spoken  to 
for  some  months.  Dorothea  could  speak  a  few  words  in  English, 
and  Hatch  knew  a  little  Spanish  ;  so  they  began  to  converse,  and 
at  last  I  saw  that  Hatch  was  holding  one  of  the  spinster's  hands, 
to  which  she  made  no  objection.  While  I  was  walking  the  deck, 
and  wishing  that  Hatch  was  compelled  to  marry  the  woman  as  a 


292  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

punishment  for  his  sins,  I  saw  a  shore  boat  approaching,  and  in 
it  Myers.  Instantly  I  ran  to  Dorothea,  and  informed  her  of  the 
circumstance.  She  waved  her  hand,  and  said,  — 

"  I  am  engaged,  sir,  and  don't  wish  to  be  disturbed." 

"  But  your  intended  husband  is  within  a  few  fathoms  of  the 
vessel." 

u  Sir,"  she  exclaimed,  rising  to  her  feet,  and  confronting  me 
with  flashing  eyes  and  contracting  fingers,  u  I  was  not  aware  that 
I  was  pledged  in  marriage  to  any  one ;  and,  if  you  insult  me 
again,  I  shall  call  upon  this  gentleman  to  protect  me." 

I  left  the  spooning  couple,  and  hurried  to  meet  Myers,  who  came 
over  the  gangway  in  such  a  dignified  manner  that  I  knew  he  was 
determined  to  refuse  the  hand  of  Donna  Dorothea. 

tk  Well,"  he  asked,  "  where  is  the  woman  who  wants  to  see  me? 
Where  is  the  woman  who  is  desirous  of  owning  my  name  ?  Pass 
her  out,  and  see  if  I  don't  euchre  her." 

"  The  lady  is  busy  at  the  present  time,"  I  said.  "  In  a  few 
moments  she  will  be  at  leisure.  Don't  be  in  a  hurry.  You  have 
all  the  evening  before  you." 

I  pointed  to  the  quarter-deck,  where  Hatch  and  Dorothea  were 
seated ;  and  the  sight,  to  my  intense  delight,  seemed  to  rouse  the 
jealousy  of  Myers.  I  could  see  it  in  his  eyes  and  face. 

"  I  thought  the  woman  came  here  to  marry  me?"  he  asked. 

"  And  so  she  did,  but  you  must  recollect  that  you  refused  her 
no  longer  than  two  hours  since.  You  have  lost  a  prize,  Myers, 
and  I  don't  blame  you  for  feeling  as  you  do.  Just  look  at  the 
lady,  and  see  how  handsome  she  is." 

Myers  looked  long  and  earnestly  at  the  amiable  and  gushing 
female  who  was  talking  to  Hatch.  I  saw  that  she  was  making  an 
impression  on  the  hard-hearted  whaler,  and  if  Hatch  had  been 
out  of  the  way,  I  think  that  I  could  have  made  a  bargain  without 
delay. 

l'  This  thing  must  not  go  on,"  cried  the  whaler,  with  energy. 
"  That  woman  belongs  to  me.  You  brought  her  for  me.  I'll 
pay  her  passage.  Name  the  price." 

"  We  will  talk  of  that  some  other  time.  The  man  who  wins 
that  treasure  must  pay  her  passage.  I  hope  you  will  be  the  one. 
But  come,  I'll  present  you." 

"  I'll  punch  that  fellow's  head,"  muttered  the  whaler,  as  we 
walked  aft. 


AN    IRATE   WOMAN.  293 

"  No  violence,"  I  whispered.  "  The  lady  is  opposed  to  any- 
thing of  the  J^ind." 

By  this  time  we  had  reached  the  parties  who  jvere  playing  the 
agreeable  on  the  quarter-deck.  Dorothea  looked  up,  blushed, 
and  then  arose  and  extended  her  hand,  which  the  whaler  pounced 
upon  and  kissed  with  all  the  ardor  of  a  sailor.  Dorothea  mod- 
estly withdrew  her  hand  from  the  grasp  of  Myers,  and  thren  looked 
at  Hatch,  as  though  wondering  what  he  thought  of  the  matter. 

"  Come,  Hatch,"  I  said,  "  I  wish  to  speak  to  you." 

The  rascal  made  a  grimace,  but  accepted  the  invitation,  and  en- 
tered the  cabin  with  me.  Just  as  we  were  seated  at  the  table, 
and  Jake  was  about  to  place  some  fruit  before  us,  we  heard  a 
shriek,  and  I  knew  that  Dorothea's  lungs  were  exercised.  We 
hurried  on  deck  to  discover  the  cause.  While  I  tore  up  the 
steps,  with  Sam  close  to  my  heels,  I  am  fearful  that  I  uttered 
several  adjectives,  and  thanked  God  that  all  women  were  not  like 
Dorothea ;  for  usually  a  woman  is  perfectly  contented  if  she  can 
have  one  person  of  the  masculine  gender  to  love. 

On  reaching  the  deck  I  found  Dorothea  and  Myers  facing  each 
other,  the  countenance  of  the  former  exhibiting  signs  of  intense 
passion,  while  the  latter  looked  extremely  foolish,  and  appeared 
undecided  what  to  say. 

"  I  have  been  insulted,"  cried  Dorothea  in  Spanish.  "  That 
man  has  insulted  me."  „ 

She  pointed  to  Myers,  who  actually  blushed. 

"Plow  happens  it  that  you  have  insulted  this  woman?"  I 
asked,  turning  to  Myers,  and  pretending  that  I  was  really 
angry. 

u  I  only  offered  to  kiss  her.     Does  she  call  that  insulting?" 

"  I  am  surprised  at  your  conduct,"  I  remarked.  "  The  lady 
keeps  her  lips  for  her  husband." 

"  Then  let  her  marry  me  at  once.  I'm  good  for  it.  She 
knows  me.  I  made  love  to  her  before  to-day." 

"  Then  wait  for  a  moment,  or  until  I  talk  with  the  lady." 

I  led  Dorothea  into  the  cabin,  and  took  a  seat  near  her. 

"  Now,"  said  I,  "  here  is  an  opportunity  for  you  to  marry. 
What  you  have  wished  for  is  likely  to  occur." 

To  my  surprise  and  consternation,  she  immediately  arose  and 
faced  me. 

"  I  will  not  listen  to  such  language,"  Dorothea  said.  "  It  is 
insulting." 


294  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

u  Did  you  not  visi't  California  for  the  sake  of  procuring  a  hus- 
band ? "  I  asked. 

"  No,  sir  ;  I  came  to  see  the  country.     I  am  satisfied  where  I 
am,  at  present." 
sf'  What  will  you  do?"  I  asked,  after  a  moment's  pause. 

"  I'll  marry  the  young  man,"  the  artless  maiden  replied.  "  I 
like  him  best." 

"  But  he  is  not  as  rich  as  Myers.  He  has  not  as  good  a  house, 
and  he  cannot  feed  you  as  well." 

"  Still  I  love  the  young  man  best,"  she  answered,  after  mature 
reflection.  "  I  had  rather  have  him." 

"  He  won't  have  you,"  I  cried,  after  a  desperate  pause. 

It  was  lucky  for  me  that  I  jumped  as  I  did.  An  instant  later 
and- 1  should  have  been  clawed  most  unmercifully,  for  the  wo- 
man struck  with  her  talons,  like  an  eagle  making  a  swoop  for  a 
lamb.  She  missed  me,  and  then  rolled  on  the  floor. 

"  God  help  the  man  who  marries  you,"  I  thought,  as  I  stood 
her  on  her  feet. 

"  You  want  Mr.  Hatch  for  a  husband,"  I  said.  "  He  is  not 
suitable  for  you.  He  is  too  fickle.  He  would  not  stay  at  home 
nights." 

"  I'd  make  him,"  she  said,  with  a  grim  smile. 

"  He  would  not  give  you  half  enough  to  eat,"  I  continued. 

"  Then  he  should  starve  with  me." 

* 

As  a  last  resort  J  exclaimed,  — 

"  The  senor  Hatch  can't  marry  you,  and  he  won't.  Do  you 
understand  that?  The  captain  is-  the  only  person  in  California 
who  is  anxious  to  wred.  Do  you  want  him  ?  Yes  or  no." 

"  Yes,"  she  answered,  quite  promptly.  "  I'll  take  him,  under 
the  circumstances.  But  I'd  rather  have  the  other." 

I  hastened  on  deck  to  communicate  the  good  news  to  Myers, 
and  found  to  my  disgust  that  the  whaler  had  tired  of  waiting  for 
me,  and  gone  on  shore  in  company  with  Hatch.  This  last  blow 
was  too  much  for  me.  I  instantly  retired  to  the  cabin,  and  drank 
several  cups  of  tea,  and  was  about  to  light  a  cigar  for  conso- 
lation, when  Dorothea  asked, 

"  Where  is  my  husband?" 

"  Gone  on  shore,"  I  said,  almost  fiercely,  for  I  was  reckless. 

"  And  who  sent  him  there?  Did  you?  Is  this  one  of  your 
tricks  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  ine  on  board?  Am  I  to  have 
no  husband,  after  all?" 


A  WILD    CAT.  295 

Just  at  this  moment,  Lilly,  who  sympathized  with  me  in  my 
terrible  misfortunes,  placed  an  arm  around  my  neck,  and  the  act 
aroused  all  the  fury  of  the  Spanish  girl's  nature.  She  flew 
at  the  kanaka,  tore  out  a  handful  of  hair,  and  was  about  to 
scratch  her  face,  when  I  interfered,  and  on  the  instant  determined 
to  rid  the  vessel  of  such  a  curse. 

"  In  fifteen  minutes,"  I  said,  addressing  Dorothea,  "  you  go  on 
shore,  and  shall  never  return.  I  have  seen  enough  of  you  to  last 
me  a  lifetime.  Get  ready,  for  go  you  shall." 

To  my  surprise  she  made  not  the  least  objection.  She  arrayed 
herself  in  her  best,  and  entered  the  boat  with  me.  We  were 
putted  on  shore,  and  the  instant  we  reached  it,  I  steered  for  the 
whaler's  establishment.  Of  course  the  appearance  of  a  woman 
in  the  streets  of  San  Francisco  was  the  signal  for  an  intense  ex- 
citement, and  we  were  followed  to  the  doors  of  the  hotel  by 
merchants,  gamblers,  and  miners,  all  eager  to  see  Dorothea's  face, 
and  to  learn  if  she  was  in  the  market.  Of  course  the  lady  no- 
ticed the  crowd. 

"  What  do  these  people  want?"  she  asked,  as  I  hurried  her 
through  Montgomery  Street. 

"  They  think  you  are  a  Mexican,"  I  replied,  "  and  they  dis- 
like the  Mexicans." 

We  entered  the  hotel  and  rushed  up  stairs.  I  entered  the  room 
where  I  had  dined  a  few  hours  before,  and  sent  a  waiter  to  find 
the  landlord.  In  a  few  minutes  Myers  stood  before  me,  looking 
surprised  and  embarrassed. 

"  Do  you  want  the  lady  for  your  wife,  or  not?  Sharp  is  the 
word,"  I  said. 

Myers  hesitated. 

"  Then  you  reject  her.  Just  as  you  please.  Come,  Dorothea, 
you  shall  find  a  husband  more  worthy  of  you  than  the  captain." 

As  I  moved  towards  the  door,  Myers  asked,  — 

"  You  couldn't  let  a  feller  take  her  on  trial  —  could  you?  " 

"  No,  sir,"  I  exclaimed,  indignantly.  "  She  is  too  good  for 
such  bargaining  as  that." 

"  I'll  take  her,"  he  said.  "  Don't  leave  the  room.  Send  for  a 
minister.  Send  for  half  a  dozen  of  them.  I'll  go  it  blind. 
We'll  be  married  now." 

As  soon  as  the  vows  were  recorded,  I  breathed  a  sigh  of  relief, 
and  congratulated  the  married  couple  so  heartily  that  Myers  be- 


296  A    WHALEMAN  S    ADVENTURES. 

gan  to  think  he  was  a  fortunate  man,  and  in  a  short  time  the 
champagne  corks  commenced  to  fly,  and  a  jolly  crowd  soon  got 
uproariously  wild  at  the  expense  of  the  captain.  With  the 
consciousness  of  having  done  a  good  deed,  I  retired  to  my  ves- 
sel, and  dreamed  of  Julia,  who,  I  thought,  was  anticipating  my 
return  to  Honolulu  with  all  the  h*fppiness  of  a  pure  spirit  and  ai 
confiding  disposition  ;  and  while  I  was  making  preparations  to  be 
married,  and  was  debating  about  the  style  of  coat  I  would  wear, 
Will  awakened  me  with  the  information  that  it  was  near  sunrise, 
and  that  three  persons  were  on  deck  to  see  me.  I  found  that  two  of 
the  men  were  parties  who  had  purchased  provisions  of  me  on  my 
first  visit  to  California.  Of  course  I  was  glad  to  see  them,  and 
they  expressed  pleasure  at  meeting  me. 

"  What  have  you  got  to  sell?"  they  asked. 

I  named  over  the  principal  articles,  and  after  I  had  concluded, 
I  astonished  them  by  an  invitation  to  breakfast. 

"  We  came  to  trade,  not  to  eat,"  one  of  them  said. 

"  And  can't  you  buy  after  you  have  eaten,  just  as  well  as 
before?" 

"  But  some  other  customers  may  come  off  while  we  are  eat- 
ing," they  said. 

"  But  I  pledge  you  my  word  that  I  will  not  listen  to  them  until 
you  have  made  your  offers,"  I  replied. 

"  O,"  they  answered,  "  that  is  fair.  We  will  eat  on  those  con- 
ditions ;  "  and  they  followed  me  to  the  cabin,  and  were  delighted 
at  the  repast  set  before  them. 

At  the  time  the  firm  of  Smith,  Melviii  &  Brown  traded  with 
me,  on  the  morning  of  which  I  write,  the  house  was  prosperous, 
and  its  word  was  as  good  as  its  bond  ;  therefore  I  awaited  the  mo- 
ment when  it  was  ready  to  make  a  bid  for  my  cargo,  with  some 
anxiety,  for  I  knew  that  I  should  have  no  trouble  respecting  pay- 
ment. As  soon,  therefore,  as  breakfast  was  finished,  the  note- 
books were  brought  into  requisition,  and  the  figuring  commenced 
with  much  earnestness. 

"  Let  us  see  a  specimen  of  your  yams,"  said  Smith,  after  a 
short  consultation  with  his  colleagues. 

I  had  a  lot  on  deck,  and  showed  it  with  some  pleasure,  for  the 
yams  were  really  good. 

"  How  many  bushels  have  you?"  was  the  next  question. 

"  One  thousand,  more  or  less." 


SELLING    CAJIGO.  297 

"  We  will  give  you  ten  dollars  per  bushel,  and  take  the  lot, 
delivered  alongside,"  Smith  said. 

I  had  paid  twenty-five  cents  per  bushel  at  the  island  of 
Gugam. 

44  How  many  sweet  potatoes  have  you?"  asked  Smith,  as  soon 
as  the  first  trade  had  been  concluded. 

*"  Five  hundred  bushels." 

44  We  will  take  them  at  five  dollars  a  bushel.  Recollect  they 
won't  keep  like  yams." 

4i  They  are  yours,"  I  answered. 

But  I  will  not  relate  all  the  transactions  of  the  morning.  It 
will  be  sufficient  if  I  state  that  I  sold  ten  thousand  lemons  at 
ten  dollars  per  hundred,  for  which  I  paid  ten  cents  per  hundred ; 
the  fifty  thousand  oranges  at  twelve  dollars  per  hundred,  for 
which  I  paid  twenty  cents  per  hundred,  and  a  hundred  dozen 
fowls  at  twelve  dollars  per  dozen.  I  sold  the  latter  rather  cheap 
because  1  was  anxious  to  clear  the  deck  and  get  rid  of  them ; 
chickens  not  flourishing  well  on  shipboard.  After  I  had  disposed 
of  the  chickens,  I  sold  the  pigs  and  the  turtles,  and  I  must  ac- 
knowledge that  I  did  well  with  the  two  last  ventures.  I  had  one 
hundred  turtles  and  fifty  pigs.  I  received  fifty  dollars  each  for 
the  turtles,  and  twenty-five  dollars  each  for  the  pigs  ;  and  when 
the  bargains  were  completed,  I  found  that  I  had  disposed  of 
cargo  enough  to  amount  to  near  thirty  thousand  dollars,  besides 
having  on  hand  eight  barrels  of  lime  juice,  and  ten  thousand 
limes,  and  other  articles  of  less  amount,  but  which  I  knew  I 
could  sell  at  a  moment's  notice  ;  and  as  Smith  was  not  disposed  to 
pay  me  what  I  considered  a  fair  price,  I  determined  to  hold  on  to 
them  for  an  advance  ;  and  it  was  well  that  I  did  so,  for  the  next  day 
I  sold  the  lime  juice  at  the  rate  of  ten  dollars  per  gallon,  and  there 
were  thirty-six  gallons  in  each  barrel.  I3y  eight  o'clock  launches 
came  alongside,  and  we  commenced  discharging  cargo  without  de- 
lay. I  sent  Will  on  shore  to  convey  my  respects  to  the  happy 
husband,  and  he  returned  with  the  information  that  Captain 
Myers  was  not  visible.  I  laughed,  and  thought  no  more  of  the 
matter ;  but  about  twelve  o'clock  a  boat  came  alongside,  and  a 
man  wearing  a  felt  hat  drawn  over  his  face,  almost  concealing  it, 
stepped  on  deck.  The  stranger  was  so  muffled  with  a  blanket, 
worn  in  the  same  manner  as  Mexicans  wear  their  ponchos,  that  I 
thought  my  visitor  was  one  of  that  race.  He  did  not  speak,  but 


298  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

beckened  me  with  his  hand,  and  then  passed  into  the  cabin,  as 
though  he  was  well  acquainted  on  board. 

"  Go  and  see  what  the  man  wants,"  I  said  to  Jake. 

The  steward  followed  the  man  into  the  cabin,  and  was  gone 
but  a  few  minutes,  and  then  returned,  a  grin  upon  his  face,  and  his 
mouth  stretched  from  ear  to  ear. 

"What  does  he  want?"  I  asked. 

"  He  wants  to  see  you,  sar,"  was  the  answer ;  and  then  the 
negro  went  forward,  laughing  as  though  he  had  discovered  a 
good  joke. 

I  went  into  the  cabin,  and  saw  the  visitor  seated  at  the  table,  a 
glass  of  grog  before  him  ;  but  his  hat  was  still  on  his  head,  and 
the  blanket  muffled  the  lower  part  of  his  face.  It  instantly 
flashed  upon  me  that  some  treachery  was  meant,  and  I  placed  my 
hand  upon  my  revolver,  and  drew  it  from  my  breast  pocket.  But 
at  this  sign  of  defence  the  visitor  did  not  move. 

"  What  do  you  want  of  me?"  I  asked,  after  a  moment's  si- 
lence, still  keeping  my  revolver  in  my  hand,  to  guard  against 
surprise. 

The  stranger  did  not  answer.  He  still  looked  at  his  liquor,  and 
shook  his  head,  and  I  heard  a  deep  sigh,  as  though  there  was 
some  internal  trouble. 

"  Who  are  you,  and  what  do  you  want?"  I  asked.  "  Speak, 
or  go  to  the  devil." 

The  stranger  groaned,  and  sat  still  for  a  moment,  then  slowly 
arose  from  the  table.  He  unwound  the  blanket  from  his  neck, 
and  then  removed  his  slouched  hat,  and  before  me  stood  Captain 
Myers,  his  face  as  raw  as  though  it  had  been  skinned. 

I  comprehended  all  in  a  moment.  I  dropped  my  revolver,  and 
sank  upon  the  transom,  powerless  to  utter  one  word.  I  could 
but  gaze  upon  that  mangled  face,  and  ask  if  I  was  not  dreaming. 
Alas  !  I  feared  not.  By  a  desperate  effort  I  was  enabled  to  arouse 
my  scattered  senses,  I  staggered  to  the  table,  and  mechanically 
seized  the  glass  of  liquor  which  had  so  long  been  untouched.  I 
threw  back  my  head,  and  the  spirit  disappeared.  This  revived 
me. 

"  Myers,"  I  said,  "  speak  to  me.  What  is  the  meaning  of  this 
frightful  appearance?" 

The  wretched  man  arose,  and,  without  a  word,  walked  to  my 
liquor  case.  He  selected  a  bottle  of  brandy,  and  placed  it  upou 


POOR   MYERS    AND   HIS   WIFE.  299 

the  table,  and  then  filled  a  glass  from  the  bottle  and  drank  its  con- 
tents without  speaking.  After  that  operation  he  sighed  and  looked 
at  me,  and  shook  his  head  in  a  mysterious  manner.  While  I  was 
watching  his  motions,  his  right  arm  was  raised  in  a  threatening 
manner,  and  with  his  fore-finger  pointing  to  his  face,  he  said,  — 

"  Do  you  see  this?  " 

"  Yes  ;  how  happened  it?" 

The  wretched  man  laughed  in  an  hysterical  manner  as  he  an- 
swered, — 

"  She." 

"Who?" 

u  The  wife  of  my  bosom,  and  be  hanged  to  you." 

He  once  more  clutched  the  brandy  bottle,  while  I  fell  back 
upon  the  transom,  my  worst  fears  realized,  and  wondering  if  I 
should  have  fo  take  Dorothea  back  after  having  warranted  her. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

POOR    MYERS   AND   HTS   WIFE. HER   OBJECTIONS. RECONCILIA- 
TION.   LETTERS    FROM   HOME.  —  A    SAN   FRANCISCO   FIRE. 

FOR  a  few  minutes  after  I  had  learned  the  worst,  the  whaler 
and  I  sat  glaring  at  each  other,  hardly  knowing  whether  we 
should  quarrel,  or  explain  matters.  Luckily  the  brandy,  which 
was  good,  had  a  soothing  influence  upon  Myers  —  so  much  so 
that  his  eyes  lost  their  fierceness,  and  had  not  the  scratches  upon 
his  face  been  so  livid,  I  should  have  anticipated  a  good  story,  or 
an  attempt  at  a  song. 

"  What  do  you  think  of  it?  "  asked  the  whaler,  at  length. 

"  I  don't  know.     Tell  me  how  it  happened." 

The  whaler  smiled  in  a  sarcastic  manner. 

"  She  did  it,"  he  said. 

"  For  what  reason?  "  I  asked. 

"  She  says,"  continued  Myers,  slowly  and  distinctly,  "  that 
we're  not  married  strong  enough.  She  wants  a  priest  to  marry 
us.  She  says  I'm  spliced,  but  she's  not.  What  kind  of  an  argu- 
ment do  you  call  that,  hey  ?  " 


300  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Tell  me  all  about  the  subject,  and  then  I  can  judge  if  she  is 
right  or  wrong." 

Myerw  attempted  to  blush,  but  the  effort  was  a  failure. 

"  I  guess  I  won't  tell  all,"  he  said  ;  "  but  after  you  had  gone, 
and  my  friends  had  gone,  and  the  house  was  quiet,  I  told  the  old 
woman  that  she'd  better  retire  ;  but  she  didn't  seem  to  understand 
me,  and  at  last  I  took  her  in  my  arms,  and  —  Well,  it's  no 
matter  about  all  the  particulars,  but  here  I  am,  with  a  scratched 
face  and  —  " 

"  Why  didn't  you  coax  her?  "  I  asked. 

"  C.oax  the  devil !  "  was  the  uugallant  exclamation. 

"  What  did  you  do?" 

"  I  didn't  do  anything.  I  swore  a  little,  and  then  she  took  one 
room  and  I  took  another.  What  am  I  to  do  ?  " 

"  We  must  find  a  Catholic  priest,"  I  said,  "  and  h&ve  you  mar- 
ried in  ship-shape." 

"  Well,"  muttered  Myers,  with  some  show  of  resignation,  "  you 
got  me  into  the  breakers,  and  now  you  must  get  me  out.  Go  and 
see  the  woman,  and  tell  her  that  I'll  dress  her  like  a  queen,  if 
she'll  only  keep  her  finger  nails  still,  and  treat  me  like  a  husband. 
Do  you  understand  ?  " 

"Of  course  I  do.     I'll  go." 

"  And  I'll  stay  here  until' you  return." 

I  went  on  deck,  and  saw  that  I  could  leave  the  vessel  for  a 
short  time ;  so  rowed  ashore,  and  paid  a  visit  to  Dorothea.  I 
found  the  lady  sulking  and  looking  miserable. 

u  Your  husband  isvdeeply  grieved  at  your  conduct,"  I  said, 
"  and  will  tal^e  measures  to  obtain  a  divorce.  I  suppose  that  you 
are  aware  that  a  divorced  woman  cannot  marry  a  second  time." 

"  Should  I  be  compelled  to  live  single  as  long  as  I  remained  in 
the  country?"  Dorothea  asked. 

"  Of.  course." 

She  started  up  immediately. 

u  Let  me  see  my  husband,  and  ask  his  pardon  for  what  has  oc- 
curred. Take  me  to  him." 

"  Will  you  promise  to  treat  him  well  ?  Remember  he  feels 
grieved  at  your  course." 

"  He  is  my  husband,  and  the  only  one  that  I  can  have.  Of 
course  I  will  respect  and  love  him." 

"  Come  with  me,"  I  said,  delighted  at  the  success  of  my  mission. 


HUSBAND   AND   WIFE.  301 

"  I  have*  interested  myself  to  make  you  happy,  but  this  shall  be 
the  last  time.  Remember  that.  You  have,  a  husband  who  has 
money,  and  he  will  dress  you  like  a  queen  ;  but  he  won't  stand 
any  more  nonsense." 

We  passed  through  the  streets,  and  reached  the  water,  and  in 
a  few  minutes  were  on  board.  I  led  her  into  the  cabin,  where 
Myers  was  seated. 

"  Here  is  your  wife,"  I  said.  "  She  is  sorry  for  what  has  oc- 
curred. Forgive  her  if  you  can,  and  love  her  as  much  as  she  de- 
gorves." 

"  O,  my  husband !  "  cried  the  Spanish  woman,  and  rushed 
towards  him. 

The  whaler  opened  his  arms,  and  she  fell  into  them.  The 
scene  was  so  affecting  that  I  did  not  care  to  remain  iu  the  cabin, 
fearful  that  I  should  laugh.  Lilly  and  I  went  on  deck. 

"  What  a  fool  that  woman  is !  "  cried  Lilly,  as  we  reached  the 
deck.  "  She  don't  deserve  a  husband." 

"  Hush,  child,"  I  replied.  "  We  must  be  thankful  that  she 
has  obtained  one.  All  women  are  entitled  to  husbands." 

'"  All  but  me,"  was  the  answer ;  and  the  kanaka  girl  turned 
from  me  and  walked  aft. 

We  did  not  disturb  the  married  couple  ;  so  they  remained  in  the 
cabin  until  dinner  time.  Then  they  took  their  seats  at  the  table, 
and  seemed  quite  cheerful.  Dorothea  appeared  to  manifest  some 
affection  for  her  husband,  and  actually  smiled  on  him,  while 
Myers,  if  his  face  had  not  been  scratched,  would  have  looked 
happy.  Of  course  I  encouraged  them  to  remain  so,  and  when 
they  left  the  vessel  at  night  for  their  hotel,  they  were  like  two 
doves,  billing  and  cooing,  and  acting  as  silly  as  most  couples  just 
united. 

The  next  day  we  continued  to  discharge  our  cargo,  and  made 
good  progress ;  and  towards  night  I  went  on  shore,  and  paid  a 
visit  to  the  post  office,  to  see  if  there  were  any  letters  for  me  from 
my  parents  ;  although  I  did  not  much  expect  there  were.  I  found 
that -the  office  was  located  in  a  wooden  building  on  the  hill,  and 
that  there  were  but  two  delivery  windows  ;  each  of  these  was 
besieged  by  two  long  lines  of  men,  and  a  rougher  looking  set  was 
rarely  seen.  I  saw  that  I  should  have  to  wait  for  two  hoitrs  be- 
fore I  could  get  a  sight  at  the  window,  and  the  prospect  dis- 
couraged me.  While  I  was  reflecting  as  to  what  I  should  do,  a 

the  window  shouted,  — 


302  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

*'  Mister,  you  want  to  buy  my  chance?  " 

"  Chance  for  what?"  I  asked,  seeing  that  the  conversation  was 
directed  towards  me. 

"  Why,  to  get  a  letter,  of  course.     I'll  sell  you  my  position." 
|    u  How  much  do  you  ask  ?  " 

"  Five  dollars.     Speak  quick,  for  I  am  almost  to  the  window." 

A  dozen  voices  cried,  "  I'll  give  you  one  dollar,"  "  Half  a  dol- 
lar," "  Twadollars,"  "  Two  dollars  and  a  half,"  &c.,  &c. ;  but  the 
fellow  was  firm,  and  would  not  abate  a  dollar  of  his  charges.  As 
time  was  an  object  to  me,  I  gave  the  man  five  dollars,  and  took 
his  place  ;  and,  with  the  remark  that  he  had  made  "  thirty  dollars 
that  day,"  the  fellow  fell  back  to  the  rear  for  the  purpose  of  once 
more  getting  near  the  window,  and  selling  out  before  dark. 
When  I  had  obtained  my  letters  I  hurried  on  board  for  the  pur- 
pose of  reading  them.  The  first  one  which  I  looked  at  was  from 
my  mother,  my  dear  mother,  who  loved  me  so  well  that  she  never 
allowed  a  wish  of  mine  to  go  ungratified.  It  was  a  long  letter, 
four  pages,  and  filled  with  regrets  at  the  absence  of  her  darling 
sou.  But  she  did  not  complain.  She  thought  that  if  I  was  satis- 
fied, and  doing  well,  I  had  better  remain.  She  had  received 
letters  from  Mr.  Cherihgton,  my  partner,  and  in  them  he  spoke 
in  the  highest  terms  of  my  industry,  moral  character,  and  all  that 
tends  to  make  a  man  great  and  good.  She  was  overjoyed  at 
hearing  such  nice  accounts  of  me,  and  Miss  Fairchild,  who  was 
visiting  her  when  the  letters  were  received,  also  expressed  much 
gratification  at  my  success,  and  sent  her  best  wishes  for  my  future 
prosperity.  How  the  name  of  Jenny  Fairchild  thrilled  me !  I 
wondered  if  the  little  beauty  thought  of  me  ;  and  then  I  began  to 
speculate  as  to  how  it  happened  that  she  was  visiting  my  family, 
when  I  knew  that  her  father  was  proud  and  aristocratic,  and  had 
always  looked  upon  my  father  as  several  degrees  removed  from 
his  circle.  I  could  not  solve  the  problem  ;  so  I  laid  down  my 
mother's  letter,  and  took  up  my  father's.  It  commenced,  as  usual, 
remarkably  blunt.  He  wrote,  — 

"  MY  DEAR  BOY  :  I'na  proud  of  you.  You  are  a  chip  of  the 
old  block.  You  are  making  money,  and  so  am  I.  We  are  both 
doing'well,  and  I  hope  will  continue  to.  Be  careful  in  your 
speculations.  Look  well  before  you  leap ;  I  always  do.  My 
position  as  alderman  has  given  me  some  nice  contracts,  through 


303 

a  third  party,  and  I  shall  clear  this  year  one  hundred  thousand 
dollars  aside  from  my  business  in  the  grocery  line.  I'm  worth  fifty 
thousand  dollars  more  than  Fairchild,  and  this  fact  makes  him 
quite  polite.  He  aad  his  family  now  call  on  us  and  spend  the 
day.  I've  bought  a  house  on  Beacon  Street,  and  paid  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars  for  it,  all  cash,  and  it  is  one  of  the  best  bargains  I 
ever  made.  I  have  furnished  it  throughout  in  style,  silver  plate, 
and  all  such  kind  of  nonsense ;  and  I  tell  you,  Charles,  we 
can  cut  as  big  a  dash  as  any  of  them.  Your  mother  don't  like 
it ;  but  I  tell  her  she  must  be  as  fashionable  as  any  of  her  neigh- 
bors, and  she  tries  to,  but  I  don't  think  she's  got  impudence 
enough  for  the  position.  I  have  a  carriage  and  span  of  horses, 
and  your  mother  and  I  make  calls  when  I  have  nothing  else  to 
do.  I  don't  like  it,  though,  for  it  is  rather  tiresome  work.  I  sold 
our  old  house  to  the  city,  and  got  my  price  ;  nearly  enough  to  pay 
for  my  new  residence.  The  city  wanted  to  cut  a  street  through 
the  court,  and  of  course  it  needed  my  land,  and  it  had  to  pay  for 
it.  That  is  the  advantage  of  being  an  alderman.  I  said  that  it 
was  a  homestead,  and  my  feelings  must  be  respected.  The 
board  respected  them  by  giving  me  just  twice  what  the  property 
was  worth.  So,  you  see,  I'm  doing  well,  and  I  am  pleased  to 
know  that  you  are  succeeding.  The  money  you  sent  arrived  safe, 
.and  I  have  invested  all  of  it  in  your  name  in  real  estate,  and  will 
look  after  it  until  your  return.  I  have  been  elected  president  of 
the  Stout  Man's  Bank,  and  own  a  large  portion  of  the  stock. 
You  see  that  I  am  looking  up  in  the  world.  I  think  that  next 
year  I  shall  be  elected  mayor  of  the  city,  although  there  is  one 
talkative  fellow  who  is  trying  to  get  the  start  of  me ;  he  is 
lecturing  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  himself  into  public  notice. 
I  don't  think  that  he  will  succeed.  I  am  pleased  to  know  that 
you  and  Cherington  are  making  money,  and  that  you  have  struck 
the  California  trade  in  the  right  time.  Mind  and  leave  it  in  the 
right  time,  or  you'll  burn  your  fingers.  Our  folks  overdo  every- 
thing, and  they  will  rush  goods  to  California  until  the  state  is 
flooded.  A  dozen  vessels  are  fitting  out  at  Boston,  and  they 
are  loaded  with  an  awful  quantity  of  trash.  Some  one  will  lose 
money.  It  won't  be  me,  for  I  don't  trust  to  that  trade.  Be  care- 
ful, my  dear  boy,  and  mind  how  you  speculate.  Any  surplus 
money  that  you  may  have,  send  to  me,  unless  you  can  invest  to 
better  advantage  in  Honolulu,  or  San  Francisco.  If  you  want  to 


304  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

come  home  before  you  have  made  a  fortune,"  don't  be  ashamed  to 
do  so,  for  you  shall  be  welcomed  with  open  arms.  Your  mother 
is  a  little  nervous  about  you,  but  I'm  not  afraid  to  trust  you. 
You  have  got  some  of  my  common  sense  and  business  tact.  I 
can't  think  of  anything  else  to  write  at  the  present  time  ;  so  I 
must  close.  Let  me  hear  from  you  often.  I  have  written  to 
Cherington  about  business,  and  you  and  he  will  find  it  satis- 
factory. Fairchild  sends  his  regards,  and  says  that  Jenny  often 
speaks  of  you." 

It  was  a  long  time  before  I  could  compose  my  mind  sufficiently 
to  retire  and  sleep,  and  then  I  dreamed  of  home,  of  Jenny,  Julia, 
Lilly,  and  that  treacherous  rascal,  the  kanaka,  Kamaka,  who,  I 
thought,  was  to  cause  me  some  trouble.  I  was  glad  when 
daylight  appeared,  so  that  I  could  finish  discharging  cargo ;  and 
after  that  was  done  I  received  my  pay  in  gold  coin  and  dust,  and 
then  felt  as  though  I  could  rest  for  a  few  days,  and  let  my  men 
have  a  run  on  shore.  For  a  wonder,  none  of  the  crew  desired  to 
leave  me.  Even  Bushy,  the  boat-steerer,  §aid  he  would  like  to 
remain  if  I  would  pay  him  the  same  wages  and  percentage  that 
the  others  received,  which  I  agreed  to  do,  for  the  man  was  faith- 
ful and  honest,  and  I  needed  his  services.  I  advanced  Will  three 
hundred  dollars,  which  he  sent  home  to  his  mother  in  New  Bed- 
ford ;  and  the  delight  which  the  boy  experienced  by  this  good  act 
was  participated  in  by  me. 

The  second  night  after  the  vessel  was  discharged,  I  was  awa- 
kened by  the  anchor-watch,  and  informed  that  a  terrible  fire  was 
raging  in  San  Francisco.  I  dressed  and  went  on  deck,  and  found 
that  the  business  portion  of  the  town  was  in  flames,  and  that  they 
threatened  to  make  a  clean  sweep  of  every  house  and  store  near 
the  edge  of  the  bay.  We  could  hear  an  immense  amount  of 
shouting  on  the  part  of  some  men  ;  but  no  efforts  could  save  a 
building  after  it  was  once  on  fire,  owing  to  its  inflammable  nature. 
Desirous  of  rendering  such  assistance  as  I  was  able,  I  took  Will 
and  Bushy  and  pulled  ashore  in  the  boat,  landing  at  Clark's 
Point. 

We  stood  for  a  moment  upon  the  bluff  to  watch  the  progress 
of  the  flames.  They  were  sweeping  down  Montgomery  Street, 
gathering  force  every  moment,  under  the  influence  of  a  stiff  breeze 
from  the  north. 


A    CRY   FOR   HELP.  305 

"  What  shall  we  do,  sir?  "  asked  Bushy,  who  had  watched  tho 
progress  of  the  flames  with  impatience,  thinking  what  splendid 
pickings  were  to  be  found  in  the  streets.  .•  .'i 

u  Go  and  render  what  help  you  can,  and  in  what  manner  you 
please  ;  "  I  replied,  and  the  whaleman  and  Will  started  for  the 
scene  of  the  fire,  and  were  soon  lost  in  the  crowd. 

In  a  few  minutes  I  followed  them,  but  at  the  corner  of  Mont- 
gomery Street  my  progress  was  checked  by  the  fire.  I  entered 
I  the  lines  and  passed  water  for  a  short  time,  but  soon  saw  that 
it  was  useless  work,  and  then  turned  my  attention  to  saving 
property.  I  entered  several  stores,  and  threw  goods  into  the 
street,  where  they  were  trampled  in  the  mud,  or  else  carried  off 
by  those  who  were  not  entitled  to  them.  Finally  I  tired  of  such 
business,  and  stood  looking  at  the  flames  as  they  fastened  upon 
a  two-story  building,  which,  I  judged  by  the  sign,  was  occu- 
pied by  a  German,  as  it  bore  the  name  of  Wismer.  There  was 
no  hope  for  the  store  after  the  fire  reached  it,  and  I  was  men- 
tally calculating  how  long  it  would  be  in  consuming,  when  I  was 
startled  by  seeing  a  man  at  the  upper  window,  and  hearing  him 
shout,  — 

"  For  de  love  of  Moshes,  save  me,  shentlemen.  I  gibs  all  I's 
worth  if  you  saves  me,  good  peoples." 

"Jump,  you  fool,"  roared  some  of  the  men,  who  were  in- 
clined to  laugh  at  the  unfortunate  man. 

"  Ah,  I  can't  shump,  shentlemen,"  was  the  answer.  "  I's 
lame." 

The  flames  had  caught  the  roof,  and.  the  room  in  which  the 
German  stood  was  filled  with  smoke,  which  was  pouring  out  of 
the  windows  in  volumes,  so  that  I  really  feared  the  man  would 
be  smothered  before  help  could  reach  him. 

"  Save  me,  shentlemen,"  he  cried ;  "  save  me,  for  de  love  of 
Moshes." 

"  There  ain't  no  Moshes  here,  old  feller,"  yelled  one  of  the 
crowd  ;  "  and  if  there  was  he  wouldn't  save  you." 

But  the  German  continued  to  repeat  his  cry,  and  waved  his 
hands  in  a  frantic  manner ;  and  when  he  saw  that  no  efforts 
were  made  to  save  him,  he  tore  his  hair  and  beat  his  breast ;  and 
then  was  lost  to  view  in  the  dense  smoke  which  poured  out  of 
the  windows. 

"  He's  a  goner,"  muttered  a  fellow  who  stood  near  me. 

•  20  i 


306  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Well,  lie's  only  a  Jew,  anyhow,"  was  the  response  of  a  ruffian 
who  the  next  instant  shouldered  a  box  of  tobacco,  and  walked  off 
with  it. 

I  saw  at  a  glance  that  the  flames  would  reach  the  German  in  a 
few  minutes,  even  if  he  was  not  already  suffocated  by  the  smoke. 
I  thought  for  a  moment,  and  considered  that  the  chances  were 
good  for  a  man  to  enter  the  building  and  make  an  attempt  to  save 
the  old  fellow,  and  with  the  thought  came  a  resolution  to  attempt 
the  rescue.  As  I  entered  the  store,  I  saw  a  flight  of  stairs  that 
led  to  the  second  story,  and  up  these  I  ran  as  fast  as  possible, 
encountering  smoke  at  every  step,  and  it  grew  more  dense  the 
higher  I  ascended.  I  could  hear  the  flames  roar,  and  I  could 
feel  the  heat  as  I  reached  the  second  story,  and  I  paused  a  mo- 
ment to  get  a  breath  of  fresh  air  at  the  windows.  It  revived  me, 
and  then  I  crawled  on  my  knees  ia  the  direction  which  I  supposed 
the  stairs  leading  to  the  story  above  to  be. 

When  I  reached  the  head  of  the  stairs  I  found  a  door ;  but  it 
was  open,  and  the  flames  were  already  at  work  in  the  apartment. 
The  roof  was  nearly  consumed,  and  the  fire  was  hotter  than  was 
desirable ;  but  I  did  not  meet  with  so  much  smoke,  as  it  had  an 
opportunity  to  soar  heavenward.  I  heard  the  roaring  of  the 
flames  and  the  shouts  of  the  people,  and  every  second  or  two 
a  crash,  as  though  heavy  beams  were  falling.  Even  arount]  my 
head  pieces  of  timber  were  tumbling ;  but  I  had  escaped  thus  far 
any  serious  injuries,  although  my  hands  were  slightly  burned  by 
coming  in  contact  with  a  board  which  was  like  a  living  coal.  I 
glanced  around  the  room  in  which  I  was  in,  and  saw  nothing  of 
the  German ;  but  on  approaching  the  windows  overlooking  the 
street,  saw  a  bed  spread  on  the  floor ;  and  upon  the  bed,  which, 
by  the  way,  was  on  fire,  saw  the  form  of  the  man  I  was  in 
search  of.  His  clothes  were  burned,  and  his  face  was  blackened 
by  smoke,  and  his  long,  white  hair  was  singed,  and  for  a  moment 
I  thought  that  I  had  arrived  too  late,  and  that  the  man  was  dead  ; 
but  as  I  extinguished  the  fire  upon  his  breast,  saw  that  he  still 
breathed. 

There  was  no  time  to  lose  if  I  desired  to  reach  the  street  alive, 
for  the  roof  of  the  building  was  all  in  flames,  and  the  tin  with  which 
it  was  covered  was  melting  fast  and  running  down  in  streams,  sev- 
eral drops  of  the  fiery  liquid  touching  my  clothes  and  flesh,  and 
burning  them  so  rapidly  that  the  pain  made  me  think  of  flight 


A   LIFE   SAVED.  307 

without  stopping  to  care  for  the  German.  I  extinguished  the  fire 
which  was  consuming  my  clothes,  and  then  caught  the  man  in 
ray  arms  and  rushed  down  stairs,  staggering  and  struggling  with 
my  burden,  and  fearful,  after  all  my  exertions,  that  I  should  lose 
him,  for  the  smoke  was  dense,  and  I  could  not  see  which  way  I 
was  moving.  Just  as  I  thought  I  should  drop,  I  felt  a  breath 
of  fresh  air,  and  found  that  I  was  near  one  of  the  windows 
on  the  second  flight*  For  one  moment  I  rested  there  ;  and  that 
brief  time  enabled  me  to  gather  my  strength,  and  carry  my  bur- 
den  down  the  next  flight  of  stairs ;  and  exhausted  and  nearly  suf- 
focated I  staggered  into  the  street,  but  my  appearance  was  greeted 
with  tremendous  cheers  from  the  very  men  who  had  a  few  min- 
utes before  declined  to  render  aid.  After  treatment  the  Ger- 
man opened  his  eyes  and  looked  around. 

"  Sheutlernen,  how  comes  it*dat  I  is  saved?  J  vos  in  de  store, 
and  de  flames  roars  around  me,  and  I  dink  dat  I  am  dead ;  and 
holy  Moshes,  how  liot  it  vos !  " 

"  This  feller  risked  his  life  for  yourn,"  said  a  man,  laying  his 
hand  on  my  shoulder. 

The  German  looked  at  me  with  his  large  black  eyes,  and 
seemed  to  reflect  upon  the  service  I  had  rendered  him.  He  laid 
his  hand  softly  upon  mine,  and  murmured,  — 

u  I's  a  poor  Jew,  and  haven't  got  any  money  to  reward  you 
for  dis.  My  property  is  all  gone  ;  de  flames  eat  'em  up,  and  de 
old  man  is  very  poor." 

"  Don't  let  that  distress  you,"  I  said,  for  the  old  one  had  meek- 
ly kissed  my  hand,  and  I  felt  sorry  for  his  misfortunes. 

"  Have  you   any  friends  in  this   place  ?  "  I  asked  of  the  Ger- 

u  Vot  for  you  ask  dat?"  he  said,  with  a  suspicious  glance,  and 
an  attempt  to  re-arrange  his  clothes  around  his  waist. 

"  I  ask  you  because  it  is  necessary  that  some  one  should  take 
care  of  you.  You  need  your  wounds  dressed,  and  medicine,  and 
careful  attendance." 

"  Dat  vill  cost  monish,"  he  said. 

»"  Yes." 
"  Ah,  I  have  no  monish.     I  is  a  poor  man  now.     De  fire  take 
'  all." 

"  I  will  see  that  you  are  takeu  care  of,"  I  remarked.  "  You 
shall  go  with  me,  and  I  will  look  after  you." 


308  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

4» 

"Vidoutpay?" 

44  Yes,  without  pay." 

"  You  is  a  very  good  young  man,  and  I  is  much  obliged  to  yoi 
But  I  has  no  monish,  you  know." 

Just  at  that  moment  I  saw  Will  and  Bushy  staggering  towards 
the  boat  under  a  load  of  silks,  and  I  called  to  them. 

44  We  have  made  a  raise,  cap'n,"  said  Bushy.  "  We  found  a 
store  goin'  for  it,  and  the  owner  told  us  to  go  in  and  get  what  we 
wanted  ;  and  we  did." 

44  I've  got  as  much  as  I  can  carry,"  cried  Will. 

"  You  are  sure  that  you  have  made  no  mistake,"  I  remarked. 

44  Of  course  not,  cap'n.     We  wouldn't  steal." 

"  Well,  take  the  silk  to  the  boat,  and  then  come  back  and  help 
me  carry  this  poor  man  on  board.  Be  lively,  for  he  needs  attend- 
ance." 

'The  two  men  staggered  off  under  their  loads  of  silk,  and  I 
waited  by  the  side  of  the  German  until  they  returned.  Then 
Bushy  took  my  patient  in  his  arms,  and  carried  him  to  the  boat, 
and  while  on  the  way,  the  Jew  exclaimed,  every  few  moments, 
44  I've  no  monish,  you  know  !  " 

44 1  am  aware  of  it,"  I  answered. 

44  And  you  takes  me  with  no  monish  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

44  Ah,  you  is  one  kind  shentleman  ;  but  I  has  no  mouish,  you 
know." 

We  got  the  man  on  board,  and  I  had  him  carried  to  the  cabin. 
After  preparing  a  berth  in  a  state-room,  I  helped  the  old  man  in, 
and  closed  the  door,  leaving  him  to  undress  at  his  leisure.  No 
sooner  had  I  left  the  room  than  I  heard  the  German  lock  the 
<loor,  as  though  he  feared  we  would  intrude  upon  him  while 
taking  off  his  clothes. 

44 1  tell  you  what  it  is,  sir,"  cried  Bushy,  in  a  hoarse  whisper ; 
44  that  man  is  a  woman." 

44  What  makes  you  think  so  ?  " 

44  Shyness,  sir,"  was  the  answer.    44  Men  don't  act  in  that  way." 

44  And  women  don't  wear  beards." 

v 

This  rather  staggered  Bushy  ;  but  he  rallied  after  a  while. 
44  Some  of  'eui  does,  sir.     I've  seen  'em." 
We  were  interrupted  by  a  groan ;  and  then  the  cries  of  the 
German  alarmed  us. 


A  DOCTOR'S  FEE.  309 

"  0,  Moshes,"  he  said  ;  "  I  is  suffering  like  de  divil.  Mine 
Hesh  is  all  burned  off.  O,  vot  shall  I  do?  " 

"  Do  you  want  help  ?  "  I  asked. 

"Yes,  I  must  have  some  help,  young  man,  for  mine  flesh  is 
burned  off." 

"Then  open  the  door." 

"  You  will  not  look  at  me?"  he  said. 

"  No." 

44  Den  come  in." 

Bushy  followed  me  into  the  state-room ;  but  the  German  did 
not  like  his  looks,  for  he  whispered,  — 

"  Send  him  away,  mine  friend.     Don't  let  him  stop  here." 

I  humored  the  old  man  by  telling  Bushy  that  he  had  better  go 
on  shore,  and  bring  off  a  doctor. 

It  was  daylight  when  Bushy  and  Will  returned  with  a  physi- 
•cian,  whom  they  found  after  much  trouble.  The  man  was  from 
the  New  England  States,  and,  although  he  had  been  in  San  Fran- 
cisco but  a  short  time,  yet  was  fast  making  money  by  his  prac- 
tice. He  examined  the  German's  injuries,  and  prescribed  for 
them,  commended  what  I  had  done,  and  then  put  on  his  hat,  and 
announced  that  he  was  in  the  habit  of  being  paid  every  time  he 
visited.  It  was  his  only  safety,  he  said.  To  this  the  Jew  lis- 
tened with  much  interest,  but  said  not  a  word  until  I  asked,  — 

"  How  much  is  your  fee,  doctor?" 

41  Two  ounces,"  was  the  reply. 

44  Holy  Moshes,"  cried  the  German  ;  "  only  dink  of  dat.  I  has 
no  monish." 

"Then  who  is  to-  pay  me?"  demanded  the  doctor;  and  he 
looked  black. 

u  I  will.  Here  is  your  money  ;  "  and  I  handed  him.two  ounces, 
which  he  slipped  into  his  pocket  in  a  hurry. 

44  A  good  young  man,"  muttered  the  German.  4'  Vot  a  pity 
I  has  no  monish  !  " 

I  followed  the  doctor  on  deck. 

44  What  do  you  think  of  your  patient?  "  I  asked. 

The  physician  shook  his  head. 

"  He  can't  live  many  days,  even  with  the  best  of  attendance. 

T  will  call  as  often  as  you  want  me  to,  but  I  can  do  no  good. 

-Good  day.       Shocking  fire.     Many  people  injured,  I  hear.       We 

should  have  a  hospital,  where  such  cases  can  be  treated.     Let 


310  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

the  patient  drink  lemonade ;  "  and  with  these  words  the  doctof 
was  off. 

I  returned  to  the  cabin,  and  looked  at  the  patient.  He  was 
awake,  and  Lilly  was  sitting  by  his  side.  He  called  me  to  him, 
and  putting  his  mouth  to  my  ear,  whispered,  — 

"  I  shall  die,  holy  Moshes,  I  shall  die  ;  but  I  have*  no  monish, 
you  know." 

I  did  not  reply,  for  I  supposed  that  the  poor  fellow  spoke  the 
truth. 

Lilly  promised  to  look  after  the  old  man  for  a  few  hours,  and 
with  this  assurance  I  lay  down,  and  was  soon  dreaming  of  fire 
and  smoke,  and  ruin  and  death. 

When  I  awoke  it  was  near  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon.  The 
fire  which  had  raged  all  night  was  nearly  subdued,  thanks  to^  a 
sudden  change  of  wind.  A  large  portion  of  San  Francisco 
was  gone,  and  hundreds  of  its  inhabitants  had  lost  all  that  they 
were  worth.  Yet  no  one  seemed  dismayed  or  discouraged,  and 
the  mate  informed  me  that  he  had  visited  the  ruins,  and  found 
men  at  work  upon  certain  parts  as  though  buildings  were  to  be 
erected  immediately.  After  breakfast  I  visited  the  German,  and 
found  that  he  was  suffering  intense  pain  in  the  region  of  his 
breast.  His  voice  was  husky,  and  he  breathed  with  difficulty ; 
yet  no  sooner  did  he  see  me  than  he  smiled  and  held  out  his 
burned  hand,  exclaiming,  — 

"A  nice  young  man  —  but  I  has  no  monish." 

"  How  has  he  rested?  "  I  asked  of  Lilly. 

"  Very  badly.  He  has  moaned,  and  groaned,  and  talked  in  a 
tongue  that  I  could  not  understand." 

"  Let  me  whisper  you,"  the  German  said,  motioning  to  me  to 
draw  near  his  berth.  I  complied  with  his  request.  u  I  vant  de 
safe,"  he  whispered. 

I  thought  that  his  mind  was  wandering.  He  noticed  my  look, 
and  said,  — 

"  I  vant  de  safe.     De  safe  in  my  store.     You  know." 

I  understood  him  at  once,  and  said  so. 

"  I  have  papers  in  it,  but  DO  monish,  you  know.  I  is  a  poor 
inan,  but  I  must  have  de  safe.  Can  you  get  'em  for  me,  and 
bring  'em  on  board  ?  See,  here  is  de  key." 

He  took  from  beneath  his  pillow  a  brass  key  of  peculiar  work- 
manship, and  handed  it  to  me. 
.  "  You  get  de  safe  for  me,  dat  is  a  good  young  man." 


AFTER   SAFES.  311 

"  Is  it  large  or  small  ?  " 

"  Small.     What  shall  I  dQ  wid  a  large  safe?  " 

"  As  soon  as  the  heat  will  allow,  I  will  have  the  safe  removed 
from  the  ruins,"  I  said. 

"I  dink  dat  you  can  get  'em  now.  I  vant  de  safe.  I  have 
papers  in  it." 

"  But  the  key  will  not  open  it.  The  fire  has  probably  warped 
the  door.  It  must  be  cut  open  with  chisels." 

"  Ah,  yes  ;  but  bring  de  safe  to  me,  dat's  a  good  man." 

I  promised  compliance  ;  and  giving  my  patient  some  medi- 
cine, intended  to  relieve  his  pains  and  make  him  sleep ,  I  went 
on  shore  with  half  a  dozen  of  my  men,  armed  with  shovels  and  a 
tackle.  We  proceeded  to  the  spot  where  the  German's  store  once 
stood,  and  found  that  the  flames  had  entirely  consumed. the  thin 
boards  of  which  the  building  was  composed;  and  in  the  cellar 
were  a  few  smoking  rafters,  among  which  was  the  safe  we  were 
in  search  of. 

How  to  move  it  from  the  cellar  was  a  question  that  puzzled  me. 
The  safe  was  not  a  large  one,  being  only  about  two  feet  high,  and 
weighing  about  five  or  six  hundred  pounds.  It  was  hot,  and  in  a 
hot  place ;  and  I  saw  no  way  in  which  we  could  remove  it  unless 
we  could  hook  the  tackle  on  to  one  of  the  handles,  and  then  hoist 
it  out.  But  to  do  that  required  shears,  and  a  strong  rope  to  sup- 
port them,  all  of  which  was  obtained  after  a  short  search.  Then 
we  threw  a  piece  of  timber  amidst  the  burning  mass,  and  Will 
ran  along  on  it,  and  managed  to  reach  one  of  the  handles  of  the 
safe,  and  then  rejoined  us  without  injury.  We  bowsed  away  at 
the  tackle,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  safe  was  landed  in  the  street. 
As  soon  as  our  success  was  demonstrated,  half  a  dozen  merchants, 
whose  stores  were  in  ruins,  came  towards  us.  \  '> 

u  I'll  give  you  two  hundred  dollars  to  laud  my  safe  so  that  1 
can  get  at  it,"  said  one.  "  My  funds  are  all  locked  up,  and  I  need 
them  to  commence  rebuilding." 

44  And  I  will  give  you  as  much  more,"  cried  another  man. 

"  And  I,"  said  a  third. 

I  found  that  I  could  make  a  good  thing  by  the  operation ;  so  I 
left  the  German's  safe  to  cool,  and  moved  the  shears  to  the  next 
cellar,  and  in  an  hour's  time  had  made  two  hundred  dollars,  and 
received  the  money.  Then  I  went  to  the  premises  of  the  next 
person,  and  landed  his  safe,  and  continued  the  busiuess  until  I  had 


312  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

made  one  thousand  dollars,  which  I  thought  a  good  day's  work ; 
and  so  did  my  men,  for  I  gave  them  each  an  ounce,  with  which 
they  professed  themselves  extremely  satisfied. 

We  then  returned  to  the  German's  safe,  and  found  that  it  was 
still  hot.  After  some  consideration  we  took  a  number  of  iron 
bars,  and  by  their  aid  rolled  it  towards  the  landing.  At  length  we 
reached  the  boat,  and  by  pouring  water  on  the  iron,  were  enabled 
to  cool  it  sufficiently  to  handle  and  get  it  on  board,  and  then  I 
visited  Mr.  Wismer,  and  announced  to  him  the  success  which  had 
crowned  our  efforts. 

There  was  much  sickness  in  San  Francisco,  and  some  of  the 
prominent  merchants  thought  that  I  could  make  a  good  thing  of  it 
by  taking  passengers  to  Honolulu,  where  those  afflicted  with  the 
scurvy  could  rapidly  recover.  I  considered  the  matter,  and  de- 
cided to  advertise  for  first  and  second  class  passengers,  and  charge 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  those  who  preferred  th»  steerage, 
and  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  those  who  desired  the  luxuries 
of  the  cabin.  I  calculated  that  I  could  accommodate  about  fifty 
persons  — -  ten  in  the  cabin,  and  forty  in  the  hold.  But  the  latter 
place  needed  fitting  up  with  berths  and  a  temporary  deck.  After 
some  inquiries,  I  found  all  that  I  needed  on  board  a  ship  that  had 
just  arrived  from  Panama.  I  purchased  the  Berths  and  lumber 
at  a  bargain,  and  set  my  men  at  work.  Bushy,  who  was  some- 
thing of  a  carpenter,  took  charge  of  the  job,  and  in  three  days 
had  nearly  completed  all  the  plans  that  I  had  laid  out ;  so  that, 
when  people  came  off  to  look  at  the  vessel,  they  were  quite  well 
satisfied  with  the  accommodations,  and  I  had  no  difficulty  in  tak- 
ing my  choice  from  the  people  who  offered  themselves. 

While  I  was  thus  occupied  I  did  not  neglect  my  patient,  whose 
health,  I  saw  with  much  regret,  was  failing  quite  fast ;  and  all 
the  efforts  of  the  doctor,  who  visited  him  once  a  day,  were  futile 
to  relieve  him  of  the  intense  pains  which  racked  his  frame.  I  at- 
tended him  anxiously  and  carefully,  and  the  poor  man  seemed 
grateful  for  my  exertions.  He  was  very  calm  and  quiet  now,  and 
no  longer  complained  that  he  was  destitute  of  money.  I  told 
him  that  I  should  take  him  to  Honolulu,  where  he  would  stand 
some  chance  of  recovery  ;  but  the  German  smiled  grimly,  and  one 
afternoon  said,  — 

u  My  friend,  it  is  useless.  I  shall  die.  I  feel  it  here  in  my 
breast.  It  is  all  parched  and  burned." 


THE  GERMAN'S  SAFE.  313 

44  O,  you  will  live  many  years,"  I  said. 

4'  No  ;  I  is  a  poor  old  man,  and  I  has  no  friends  or  family,  and 
I  shall  be  better  off  in  de  ground." 

He  rested  for  a  moment,  and  then  said,  — 

"  But  you  is  mine  friend.  You  take  care  of  me,  and  you  dink 
I  lias  no  monish.  Dat  is  so  —  is  it  not?" 

"  Yes." 

'*  Ah,  I  is  a  poor  man,  .but  I  has  little  monish  ;  and  now  I  die 
I  leaves  it  all  on  de  earth,  und  no  one  to  dink  of  me  arter  I  is  gone." 
It  is  impossible  to  convey  to  the  reader  the  melancholy  manner  ill 
which  the  German  spoke  ;  and,  as  he  turned  away  his  head,  I 
jgaw  a  tear  rolling  down  his  wrinkled  face,  and  disappear  amid 
his  beard.  I  did  not  speak,  but  allowed  him  to  reflect  and  con- 
quer his  emotion.  "  You  take  care  of  me  ven  you  dink  I  vos 
-poor,"  he  said,  at  last.  u  Now  you  is  a  good  boy,  and  I  makes 
jrou  mine  heir." 

"Heir  to  what?"  I  asked,  smiling  at  the  old  man's  earnest- 
ness." 

"  You  see  by  and  by.  You  is  a  good  boy,  and  I  likes  you.  Go 
open  de  safe  and  bring  de  contents  to  me." 

"  What  is  in  it?  "I  asked. 

44  No  matter.     You  go  and  open  'em,  and  den  we  see." 

I  saw  that  he  was  so  earnest  in  the  matter,  that  I  went  ou 
deck  and  examined  the  sace.  I  found  that  the  door  was  so  warped 
that  it  was  impossible  to  open  it  with  a  key,  and  that  the  heavy 
iron  would  resist  the  blows  of  a  top-mall.  As  a  last  resort 
I  sent  Will  on  shore  to  find  a  machinist,  and  after  a  long  search 
he  discovered  one  in  a  tent  on  Telegraph  Hill.  He  brought 
on  board  a  drilling  machine  and  several  chisels.  With  these  the' 
man  commenced  operations,  and  in  the  course  of  two  or  three 
hours'  time,  was  enabled  to  cut  the  bolts  and  open  the  door.  I 
must  confess  that  I  was  astonished  at  the  sight  that  greeted  me  ; 
for  although  thefre  were  several  boojvs  and  some  papers  in  the 
safe,  yet  I  saw  four  buckskin  bags  filled  with  gold  dust,  and  I 
judged  that  each  one  contained  at  least  ten  thousand  dollars' 
worth  of  the  precious  metal. 

"  Bring  de  contents  to  me,  my  dear  boy,"  he  whispered.  "  You 
shall  have  all  after  I'm  gone,  but  I  want  'em  now." 

I  paid  the  machinist  for  the  job,  and  carried  the  four  bags  of 
gold  dust  to  the  German,  and  laid  them  by  his  side.  For  a  mo- 


314  A*  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

ment  his  eyes  assumed  an  unnatural  lustre,  but  the  emotion  quickly 
passed  away,  and  the  poor  man  uttered  a  deep  sigh. 

"  Ah,  I  shall  make  no  more  monish  in  dis  world  ;  all  my 
life  I  work  for  de  gold,  and  now  I  must  leave  it.  O,  Moshes,  it 
is  hard  —  is  it  not?  "  He  patted  the  bags  with  his  thin  fingers,  and 
then  pushed  them  from  him.  "  You  take  'em,  and  when  I  gone 
you  have  'em." 

"Have  you  no  relatives  to  whom  you  can  leave  this  dust?" 
I  asked ;  not  wishing  to  accept  of  the  donation  if  he  had  lawful 
heirs.  • 

"  No  ;  I  is  all  alone  in  de  vorld.  My  parents  die  ven  I  vos  a 
leetle  boy,  and  I  hab  no  friends  left.  Hans  Smidt  vos  de  only 
friend  I  had,  and  he  die  too.  Ven  I  leetle  boy  I  work  for  my 
bread,  in  de  city  of  Hamburg.  I  sells  dings  in  de  streets,  and 
ven  I  makes  a  stiver  I  saves  'em.  Den  I  takes  a  store  and 
sells  everyding,  and  I  makes  monish  very  fast.  I  buys  gold  and 
silver  and  de  precious  stones  ;  and  at  last  I  leave  Hamburg  for 
California,  'cos  de  people  tell  me  dat  much  gold  here,  and  dat  I 
could  sell  diamonds  for  one  large  price.  I  buy  lots  diamonds,  and 
come  here  one  month  ago,  and  now  I  is  a  poor  old  man,  and 
dying." 

The  German  wiped  away  the  tears,  which  would  force  them- 
selves from  his  eyes,  and  for  a  long  time  remained  silent.  I 
thought  that  he  desired  to  sleep,  and  prepared  to  leave  the  state- 
room ;  but  as  I  moved  he  turned  his  head  ;  and  motioned  me  to 
remain. 

"  You  is  a  good  young  man,  and  will  take  care  of  de  monish?" 
he  asked. 

44 1  will  try  to  do  good  with  it,"  I  answered. 

"  Den  call  in  some  vitness.  I  can't  write,  'cos  my  hands  are 
sore.  I  makes  you  my  heir.  I  wants  all  to  know  it." 

I  called  the  mate,  Will,  and  Bushy  into  the  state-room,  aud 
after  they  had  assembled  the  German  said,  — 

"  I  makes  dis  good  young  man,  vot  saved  my  life,  mine  heir. 
I  gives  him  all  my  property.  All,  every  mite  of  it.  He  keep 
Jem  all  de  time,  forever,  and  neber  gib  'em  up  to  no  one,  'cos  I 
want  him  to  hab  'em,  so  help  me  Moshes." 

"  You  understand  what  he  says?  "  I  asked  the  men. 

"  Yes,  sir.  He  has  made  a  will,  and  left  you  all  liis  dunnage," 
Bushy  said;  and  the  other  two  nodded  as  though  th.tt  coincided 
with  their  ideas  of  the  matter. 


A   VALUABLE   GIFT.  315 

"  Dat  vill  do,"  cried  the  German  ;  "  now  you  may  go." 

The  men  left  the  state-room,  and  the  sick  man  appeared  so 
exhausted  that  he  did  not  speak  for  some  moments.  He  made  a 
movement  with  his  hands,  as  though  he  was  chafing  his  breast ; 
and  while  his  breath  grew  thick  and  his  eyes  glassy,  he  drew 
from  beneath  the  blanket,  which  covered  his  thin  form,  a  wide 
belt,  made  of  wash-leather,  and  quilted  like  a  silk  petticoat. 

u  Take  it,"  he  gasped.  "  I  give  it  to  you.  It  contains  dia- 
monds vorth  forty  dousand  dollars.  I  bring  'em  here  to  sell." 

As  he  handed  roe  the  belt,  which  he  had  guarded  with  such 
care,  it  seemed  as  though  his  life  departed  with  it ;  for  the  in- 
stant his  fingers  released  their  clutch,  he  gasped  once  or  twice, 
strove  to  utter  some  word  of  friendly  warning,  and  died. 

I  closed  his  eyes  in  sorrow,  for  the  man  had  endeared  himself 
to  me  through  his  patience  and  generosity.  After  a  long  search 
I  found  a  man  who  agreed  to  make  a  coffin  and  line  it  with  lead, 
and  then  I  hired  a  man  to  dig  a  grave  near  the  entrance  of  the 
Golden  Gate,  where  I  thought  the  bones  would  rest  in  peace 
until  the  city  was  able  to  lay  out  and  dedicate  a  cemetery. 

The  next  day  the  funeral  took  place,  and  most  of  iny  men  fol- 
lowed the  remains  to  their  resting-place.  * 

After  my  return  to  the  vessel  I  examined  the  belt  which  the 
•  deceased  had  worn  around  his  body  for  so  many  days.  I  ripped 
it  apart,  and.  what  a  rare  sight  met  my  gaze  !  There  were  dia- 
monds of  all  sizes  —  some  no  larger  than  a  grain  of  coarse  pow- 
der, and  others  as  big  as  peas.  I  saw  that  the  large  ones  were  very 
valuable  ;  some  of  them  I  estimated  worth  as  much  as  five  hun- 
dred dollars  each,  and  one  I  thought  would  command  at  least  a 
thousand.  All  were  stones  of  the  first  water,  so  clear  and  brilliant 
that  I  sat  for  some  time  and  watched  the  light  as  it  flashed  upon 
them  and  was  reflected  in  a  thousand  different  rays.  It  seemed 
as  though  I  was  dreaming,  as  I  sat  in  my  state-room,  wondering 
what  I  should  do  with  my  treasures,  and  how  protect  them  from 
thieves.  But  in  the  midst  of  my  perplexity  I  recollected  that  I 
could  grace  the  fingers  and  neck  of  Julia  on  the  day  that  we 
were  married,  and  I  wondered  if  she  would  like  me  any  the 
better  for  my  presents.  Yes,  I  resolved  that  I  would  have  a 
necklace  manufactured  for  the  lady,  and  several  rings  for  her 
fingers  ;  and  with  this  idea  I  put  my  treasures  aside  in  a  secure 
place,  and  turned  my  attention  to  receiving  passengers,  who  were 
offering  themselves  for  Honolulu. 


316  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

The  day  before  I  was  ready  to  sail,  I  shipped  to  my  father 
about  thirty  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  gold  dust,  a  part  of 
that  which  Mr.  Wismer  had  bequeathed  me  ;  and  I  requested  my 
amiable  parent  to  invest  the  amount,  in  such  a  way  as  he  thought 
would  pay  best.  This  done  I  paid  a  visit  to  the  whaler,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  leave  of  him  and  his  excitable  wife.  I  had  not 
seen  them  for  several  days,  and  I  longed  to  know  how  they  were 
progressing. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

AN  UNEXPECTED  HONEYMOON. OFF  FOR  HONOLULU. A  TERRI- 

'  BLE  ANNOUNCEMENT.  —  JULIA  AND  HER  ILLNESS. A  PAINFUL 

MEETING. 

I  INQUIRED  at  the  bar  of  the  Connecticut  House  for  Captain 
Myers,  and  the  skilful  gentleman  who  dispensed  cocktails 
and  whiskey-skins  at  the  rate  of  twenty-five  cents  per  drink,  in- 
formed me,  with  a  knowing  grin,  that  the  captain  was  in  number 
eight,  and  that  I  had  better  "  knock  at  the  door  before  I  entered 
the  room."  for  which  information  I  was  duly  thankful,  and  passed 
np  stairs  to  find  my  friend  and  wife.  I  easily  found  number  eight, 
but  I  was  compelled  to  rap  twice  before  the  captain's  bass  voice 
shouted,  "  Come  in."  I  opened  the  door,  and  was  so  astonished 
at  the  sight  which  met  my  view,  that  I  could  do  nothing  but  stare 
in  stupid  amazement.  Seated  on  a  lounge  was  the  amiable  Dor- 
othea, and  in  her  lap  was  the  head  of  the  captain,  not  separated 
from  his  shoulders  and  gory  with  blood,  but  reposing  with  con- 
fidence, and  looks  of  intense  satisfaction  upon  his  face ;  while  the 
lady  —  she  who  always  scratched  and  snarled  at  men  —  looked 
as  though  she  was  contented  for  the  first  time  in  her  life,  and  her 
features  actually  appeared  handsome.  For  one  moment  the 
whaler  started  as  though  about  to  raise  his  head ;  but  when  he 
caught  sight  of  my  face,  he  said,  — 

"  Ah,  ilfs  you,  is  it,  Allspice?  Come  in  ;  "  and  down  went  his 
head,  and  his  wife  continued  to  play  with  his  hair,  except  when  the 
captain  interrupted  her  by  seizing  her  hand  and  kissing  it  with 
rather  a  boisterous  sort  of  affection,  which  the  lady  appeared  to 
relish  exceedingly. 


A  RARE  HONEYMOON.  317 

"  Come  in,  my  dear  friend,"  cried  Dorothea,  with  a  sweet 
smile.  "  You  don't  disturb  us  in  the  least." 

"  "Well,"  I  said,  dropping  into  a  seat,  and  still  staring  at  the 
amorous  couple,  "  I'm  astonished,  and  no  mistake." 

"  What  at?"  asked  the  whaler. 

"  The  love  which  I  see  displayed." 
,     "  Well,  I  do  love  rny  little  petsy,"  cried  the  lady. 

"  And  I  love  my  little  chickabiddy,"  answered  the  husband, 
striving  to  get  his  arm  around  her  neck. 

"  For  Heaven's  sake  stop  such  blasted  nonsense  !  "  I  exclaimed. 
'*  You  will  drive  me  crazy.  What  do  you  mean?" 

"  We  mean  that  we  love  each  other  dearly ;  no  more  rows,  no 
more  quarrels.  We  now  understand  each  other." 

"  My  little  petsy  is  the  best  man  in  the  world,"  enthusiastically 
exclaimed  the  wife. 

"  My  little  chickabiddy  is  the  best  woman  in  the  world,"  an- 
swered the  husband. 

And  then  they  recommenced  kissing  until  I  thought  they  would 
devour  each  other.  I  was  disgusted.  Although  rather  fond  of 
kissing  pretty  women,  I  did  not  like  the  manner  in  which  they 
conducted  the  business. 

u  I  won't  stand  this,"  I  said.  "  If  you  don't  stop  such  nonsense 
I'll  leave." 

"  Is  it  not  right  for  a  wife  to  love  her  husband?  "  asked  Dor- 
othea. 

"  Yes,  but  don't  show  so  much  of  it  in  public." 

"  What  do  we  care  for  the  public?"  asked  the  whaler.  "  The 
public  may  be  cussed  if  it  pleases,  but  I'm  determined  to  love 
my  little  chickabiddy." 

I  saw  that  the  maniac  was  incurable.  A  reaction  had  taken 
place,  and  softened  his  brain.  I  laughed,  held  out  my  hand, 
wished  them  well,  and  left  the  room ;  and  the  last  thing  that  I 
heard,  as  I  closed  the  door,  was  the  sound  of  kisses. 

I  visited  the  rest  of  my  acquaintances,  and  took  leave  of  them, 
Hatch  sending  a  lot  of  letters  to  his  friends  at  Honolulu,  and  giv- 
ing me  his  blessing  with  much  fervor  at  parting.  Then  I  mailed 
letters  to  my  parents,  and  left  San  Francisco  for  the  Helen.  I 
found  my  passengers  all  on  board,  and  anxious  for  a  start.  I  had 
nothing  to  detain  me  —  the  wind  was  fair  and  fresh,  and  I  had 
enough  of  daylight  to  enable  me  to  pass  the  entrance  of  the  Golden 


318  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Gate.  To  the  delight  of  all  hands  I  ordered  the  crew  to  man  the 
windlass ;  the  anchor  left  its  resting-place  with  lots  of  mud 
upon  its  stock  and  shank,  and  we  commenced  dodging  amidst  the 
vessels  which  were  lying  in  port,  until  we  were  off  Goat  Island, 
when  we  were  enabled  to  make  sail,  and  passed  the  Golden 
Gate  at  a  rushing  speed,  a  three-knot  current  being  in  our  favor. 
I  had  no  trouble  with  my  passengers,  excepting  some  trifling  dif- 
ference respecting  rations.  Some  of  them  wanted  to  live  on  bread 
and  butter,  and  others  preferred  "  plum  duff;  "  but  when  they 
found  that  I  gave  them  the  best  that  I  had,  and  enough  of  it,  they 
were  disposed  to  be  rational.  I  did  not  lose  a  passenger.  All 
of  them  recovered  their  health,  and  were  landed  in  safety  at  Hono- 
lulu, where  they  swore  I  was  the  best  man  that  ever  lived,  and 
much  more  to  the  same  purpose. 

I  Avill  not  tire  the  patience  of  readers  with  an  account  of  my 
passage,  but  simply^  inform  them  that  just  six  months  had  elapsed 
from  the  time  I  left  Honolulu  until  my  return.  Ah,  how  well  I 
recollect  the  morning  when  I  dropped  anchor  in  the  basin  of 
Honolulu !  I  was  happy  with  the  thought  of  meeting  Julia  — 
with  clasping  her  in  my  arms,  and  soon  calling  her  my  wife. 
There  could  be  no  excuse  now  offered  by  her  father.  I  was 
twenty  years  of  age,  rich  enough  to  support  a  wife,  and  with  love 
enough  to  cherish  one.  How  I  counted  the  moments  which  de- 
tained me  on  board  !  I  was  too  impatient  to  hardly  notice  Lilly, 
meek  and  quiet  as  she  was.  Poor  girl,  her  lot  was  indeed  a  hard 
one,  and  she  knew  it ;  but  she  uttered  no  complaints,  and  made  no 
sign.  She  little  knew  that  in  a  few  days  I  should  be  married  to 
one  who  was  my  equal  in  wealth  and  position,  and  possessing  all 
the  virtues  which  man  looks  for,  yet  seldom  bring  to  the  married 
state.  Perhaps  women  do  not  expect  perfection  in  men.  We 
look  for  it  in  women,  and  are  furious  if  we  are  deceived.  Why 
should  we  not  be  on  an  equality?  How  is  it  that  men  can  in- 
dulge in  vice,  and  yet  escape  the  frowns  of  the  opposite  sex?  I 
have  never  yet  been  able  to  comprehend  it,  or  to  satisfactorily 
answer  the  question.  I  wish  that  men  were  more  virtuous,  and 
women  more  exacting  when  they  are  asked  to  marry.  We  should 
all  live  happier,  and  die  with  the  consciousness  of  having  ac- 
complished some  good  in  this  world.  I  can  see  no  remedy  for 
the  evil,  for  education,  while  it  enlightens,  does  not  make  us 
shun  vice.  Some  of  our  most  intelligent  men  are  the  most 


A   FEW    ANXIOUS   INQUIRIES.  319 

unprincipled,  and  so  I  am  afraid  that  each  succeeding  generation 
will  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  its  predecessors.  But  a  truce  to 
moralizing,  for  it  will  effect  no  good. 

As  soon  as  we  dropped  anchor,  I  saw  ray  partner,  Mr.  Cheriug- 
tou,  coming  off  in  the  boat  which  belonged  to  the  house,  and  I 
preoared  to  welcome  him,  and  to  ask  a  hundred  questions  respect- 
ing the  lady  whom  I  loved  so  well.  He  reached  the  deck  and 
our  hands  were  clasped,  and  for  a  moment  we  stood  facing  each 
other. 

"  Charles  !  "  the  good  man  exclaimed  ;  and  tears  moistened  his 
eyes. 

"  My  dear  father  !  "  I  replied,  and  then  I  stopped. 

"  You  are  well,"  he  said  ;  "  your  looks  proclaim  it." 

"  Thank  Heaven,  I  am.     And  Julia  —  she  is  well? " 

"  Yes,  she  is  well,"  answered  my  partner ;  but  his  looks  did 
not  confirm  his  words,  and  I  saw  that  his  usually  cheerful  face 
wore  a  look  which  was  grave  and  impressive. 

"  You  are  deceiving  me,"  I  said ;  and  I  felt  the  blood  rush  to 
my  heart  in  icy  torrents,  leaving  me  weak  and  trembling,  as 
though  smitten  by  the  ague. 

The  good  man  saw  my  emotion,  and  a  look  of  pity  crossed  his 
face.  He  laid  his  hand  upon  my  arm,  and  led  me  into  the  cabin, 
where  we  could  be  alone  for  a  few  minutes.  I  gazed  in  his  face, 
and  whispered,  — 

44 1  know  it  all  —  Julia  is  sick  or  dead.  Is  it  not  so?  Do  not 
fear  to  tell  me.  I  am  firm  and  able  to  hear  it ;  "  and  at  the  same 
time  I  was  trembling  so  violently  that  I  could  hardly  raise  a  glass 
of  water  to  my  lips. 

44  O,*no,  not  dead,". cried  Mr.  Cherington,  who  saw  my  dis- 
tress. "  Julia  has  been  very  sick,  but  she  is  now  convalescent, 
and  able  to  walk  and  ride  out.  She  will  soon  be  well,  I  trust." 

"  Thank  God  !  "  I  exclaimed,  with  heart-felt  gratitude.  "  If 
she  lives  I  will  love  her  so  dearly  that  the  roses  of  health  will 
soon  bloom  upon  her  cheeks.  In  a  few  weeks,  or  perhaps  days, 
we  shall  be  married.  Ah,  my  dear  father,  more  than  father,  you 
cannot  imagine  how  I  have  longed  for  the  hour  when  I  may  call 
Julia  mine.  Day  and  night  I  have  thought  of  her, -and  all  my 
plans  have  been  laid  with  this  one  view." 

"  Poor  boy  !  "  muttered  Mr.  Cherington  ;  "  so  enthusiastic  and 
yet  so  rash !  "  and  my  partner's  face  was  gloomy  for  a  mo- 


320  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

ment ;  but  when  he  saw  that  I  was  noting  every  expression  upon 
his  countenance,  he  attempted  to  smile,  and  did  manage  to  call 
up  one  ;  but  it  fled  like  a  ghost,  as  though  scared  at  the  approach- 
ing day.  He  took  ray  hand  and  squeezed  it  for  a  moment,  and 
said,  — 

"  Well,  well ;  let  us  talk  of  something  else.  Tell  me  of  the 
voyage.  Has  it  been  successful  ?  " 

u  Yes,  quite  so.     But  Julia  —  was  she  Attacked  with  fever? ' 

•'  Yes,  a  slow  fever.     You  sold  everything  at  good  prices?" 

"  Yes.     When  was  she  taken  ill,  and  how  did  it  happen  ?  " 

"  Three  weeks  since.     Her  illness  was  sudden.     You  sold  fo 
cash,  I  suppose." 

"  Blast  the  cargo !  "  I  exclaimed,  pettishly,  irritated  at  the 
man's  returning  from  the  subject  which  interested  me  to  the 
selling  of  a  cargo  of  vegetables.  "  What  do  I  care  for  gold,  only 
as  a  means  of  winning  Julia's  hand?" 

"  Charles  !  "  exclaimed  my  partner,  in  surprise,  "  you  forgot 
that  there  is  time  enough  for  you  to  learn  all  the  particulars  re- 
specting Julia's  health." 

'*  And  there  is  time  enough  for  you  to  look  over  my  accounts," 
I  retorted.  "  You  may  love  money,  but  I  love  Julia  more  than  I 
do  gold." 

"  I  suppose  so,  Charles ;  yet  it  is  a  pity  that  you  have  acted 
in  so  thoughtless  a  manner." 

"What  do  you  mean?"  I  asked.  "There  is  some  mystery 
connected  with  your  words." 

u  There  is,  Charles  ;  I  cannot  disguise  it.  We  have  heard  evil 
reports  of  you,  but  I  trust  that  you  can  refute  them." 

My  head  dropped  at  once.  I  could  no  longer  meet  the  calm, 
earnest  eyes  of  my  partner,  and  I  knew  they  were  fastened  upon 
my  face,  and  that  he  there  read  guilt  which  my  impudence  could 
not  permit  me  to  deny.  Ah,  who  can  tell  how  much  I  suffered 
in  a  few  minutes'  time,  and  how  much  I  would  have  given  to 
have  been  enabled  to  repudiate  every  assertion  that  reflected  upon 
my  name  ?  I  knew  that  my  partner  pitied  me,  and  would  help 
me  ;  but  I  did  not  dare  to  ask  for  it,  and  I  did  not  care  to  pursue 
my  inquiries  any  further  just  at  that  time. 

"  You  do  not  speak,  Charles,"  said  Mr.  Cherington,  after  an 
embarrassing  pause. 

"  What  can  I  say,  until  I  know  the  charges  against  me?" 


MORE    REVELATIONS.  321 

"  Your  old  ship,  the  Sally,  touched  at  this  port  a  month  since," 
Day  partner  continued. 

*c  Did  you  see  Captain  Bunker?  " 

"  O,  yes.  He  was  very  anxious  to  see  me,  and  one  day  he 
called  at  the  house  and  saw  Julia.  I  should  have  prevented  it  if 
I  had  known  that  he  contemplated  any  such  thing." 

"  The  old  rascal !     Did  he  speak  of  me  ?  " 

"  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  he  did,  and  not  in  such  favorable 
terms  as  I  could  have  wished." 

"  Why,  the  cussed  scoundrel !  "  I  blurted  out ;  "  I  saved  him 
from  a  thrashing  at  the  Laduones  for  insulting  a  lady." 

Mr.  Cherington  smiled,  and  played  with  his  watch  chain. 

"  You  don't  believe  me,"  I  said. 

"  O,  yes,  I  do  ;  but  it  is  singular  that  he  should  say  that  it  was 
you  who  attempted  familiarities  with  the  lady,  an  elderly  one,  and 
that  he  saved  her  virtue,  and  persuaded  the  governor  to  forgive 
you." 

"  O,  my  God  !  "  I  exclaimed,  in  the  fullness  of  my  heart,  "  did 
that  rascal  have  the  impudence  to  say  that?  " 

"  Indeed  he  did,  and  much  more  which  I  shall  not  relate. 
There  was  a  young  lady,  also ;  the  captain  said  she  was  an  artful 
girl,  the  daughter  of  the  governor.  She  was  represented  as  very 
handsome,  and  that  your  attentions  were  not  thrown  away  upon 
her." 

"  And  is  it  possible  that  you  can  believe  such  a  statement?"  I 
asked. 

"  Well,  human  nature  is  weak,  my  sou  ;  but  I  should  not  have 
placed  much  confidence  in  the  report,  if  it  had  not  been  cor- 
roborated." 

"  By  whom?"  I  demanded,  in  surprise. 

'  O,  an  old  enemy  of  yours.     You  may  not  recollect  him." 

"  Yes,  I  shall." 

"  Well,  it  was  Kamaka,  the  kanaka,  a  revengeful  rascal,  and 
one  who  does  not  love  you  ;  but  he  did  love  a  native  girl  whom  you 
took  a  fancy  to,  while  leading  an  indolent  life  at  Kammaira." 

"And  is  this  all?"  I  asked,  after  along  breath,  while  I  at- 
tempted to  see  the  way  out  of  the  net  that  had  enclosed  me  in  its 
meshes,  and  was  dragging  me  into  deeper  water  every  moment. 

"  I  think  that  it  will  do  for  the  present. 

"  And  so  do  I." 
21 


322  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Just  at  this  moment  we  heard  cheers  on  deck,  and  there  were 
loud  calls  for  me.  With  a  heart  crushed  by  the  information 
which  I  had  received,  I  went  on  deck,  and  found  that  the  passen- 
gers were  all  ready  to  leave  the  vessel  for  the  shore,  several 
barges  lying  alongside  for  the  purpose  of  taking  them  to  the 
beach. 

"  We  can't  go  without  bidding  you  farewell,  sir,"  cried  half  a 
dozen  of  the  passengers,  who,  when  they  came  on  board,  were 
nearly  dead  with  scurvy,  and  had  improved  on  the  diet  which  I 
had  served  out  to  them.  They  came  crowding  aft,  and  shook 
hands  with  me,  many  of  them  shedding  tears,  as  they  did  so, 

"  Three  cheers  for  the  captain  ! "  some  one  cried. 

They  were  given  with  a  will,  and  half  a  dozen  more  followed, 
until  the  people  on  shore  thought  that  some  great  event. had  hap- 
pened, and  came  rushing  to  the  beach  to  find  out  what  it  was. 

"  A  speech  !  "  the  men  yelled,  in  true  Yankee  style. 

I  addressed  them  a  few  words,  and  told  them  how  I  hoped  they 
would  save  their  money  after  they  reached  the  land,  be  moral,  and 
preserve  their  health,  and  finally  return  to  California,  and  make 
their  fortunes.  The  passengers  were  satisfied,  and  left  the  vessel, 
with  bag  and  baggage  ;  and  then  Mr.  Cherington  and  I  returned 
to  the  cabin  to  talk  over  matters  connected  with  the  voyage.  But 
I  found  that  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  concentrate  my  mind  on 
business.  I  thought  of  the  different  reception  which  awaited  me 
at  the  hands  of  Julia  from  what  I  had  anticipated.  I  saw  that 
all  my  castles,  which  I  had  built  and  reared  so  high,  were  tum- 
bling about  my  ears,  and  were  likely  to  crush  me  in  their  fall. 

Wliat  plea  could  I  offer,  excepting  the  folly  and  impetuosity 
of  youth?  Would  a  young,  romantic  girl  like  Julia,  who  believed 
the  world  as  pure  as  her  own  thoughts,  accept  of  many  excuses 
at  my  hands?  I  knew  that  she  was  generous,  but  I  was  aware 
that  she  was  just,  at  the  same  time ;  and  in  no  light  that  I  could 
view  the  matter,  was  there  hope  for  me.  For  the  first  time, 
while  seated  in  my  state-room,  considering  these  matters,  did  I 
fully  realize  how  much  I  loved  Julia.  My  suit  had  prospered  so 
well  —  there  was  such  an  absence  of  opposition  to  it  —  that  the 
real,  strength  of  my  affections  had  not  been  brought  out ;  and  now, 
when  there  was  a  prospect  of  losing  the  lady,  I  felt  as  though  I 
was  capable  t)f  committing  some  desperate  act,  although  in  doing 
BO  I  should  but  lessen  myself  in  Julia's  estimation,  and  iu  the 


AN    UNFORTUNATE    EXHIBITION.  323 

esteem  of  her  father.  I  saw  that  the  latter  sympathized  with  me, 
and  would  stand  by  me  ;  but  Miss  Cherington  had  a  mind  of  her 
Own,  when  disposed  to  exert  it.  It  was  a  favorite  plan  of  my 
partner's,  marrying  me  to  his  daughter,  and  I  knew  that  it  would 
cost  him  many  sighs  to  relinquish  it ;  but  what  werejiis  feelings 
compared  to  those  of  an  ardent  lover,  who  returns  fondly  an- 
ticipating an  affectionate  welcome  and  an  early  wedding,  and 
finds  coldness,  and  perhaps  dislike?  I  filled  a  goblet  with  wine 
and  drank  it,  and  the  liquor  gave  me  a  forced  buoyancy,  and 
raised  my  spirits  to  such  a  degree,  that  I  began  to  think  matters 
were  not  so  black  as  they  appeared.  My  partner  saw  the  change, 
and  smiled. 

"  We  can  wait  until  to-morrow,  Charles,"  Mr.  Cherington  said. 

"  No,  a  little  attention  to  business  will  help  me  at  the  present 
time.  My  burden  is  great,  but  I  must  try  and  bear  it." 

As  I  spoke  I  opened  the  desk  where  I  kept  my  papers  and 
books.  Had  I  stopped  to  think  for  one  moment,  I  should  not  have 
done  so,  for  directly  before  my  eyes  lay  a  mantilla,  a  pair  of  slip- 
pers, and  an  embroidered  waist,  which  Dorothea  —  may  the  saints 
confound  her  !  —  left  on  board  at  the  time  she  packed  up  so  hurried- 
ly ;  and  Lilly,  out  of  sport,  had  placed  them  in  my  desk,  and  I, 
like  a  fool,  had  forgotten  to  remove  them.  There  they  were, 
staring  me  in  the  face,  and  of  course  caught  the  eyes  of  my  sharp- 
sighted  partner. 

"  Are  these  business  papers,  Charles?"  asked  the  old  gentle- 
man, with  a  slight  smile. 

I  gathered  the  articles  in  my  hand,  and  threw  them  under  my 
berth  ;  but  Mr.  Cherington  would  not  let  me  alone. 

"  Curious  kind  of  account  books,  those,  Charles,"  he  said. 
"They  are  none  too  clean,  either,  I  should  judge." 

I  stammered  out  some  excuse,  which  only  increased  my  con- 
fusion ;  and  I  was  not  released  from  it  until  I  had  opened  my 
books  and  attracted  Mr.  Cherington's  attention  by  pointing  out 
the  large  sums  which  I  had  received  for  the  cargo.  This  in- 
terested him  very  much,  and  he  soon  forgot  waist  and  slippers 
while  footing  up  a  column  of  figures.  The  result  was  satisfactory 
in  all  respects,  and  when  I  produced  the  gold  which  I  had  re- 
ceived, not  alluding  to  that  bequeathed  me  by  IVlr,  Wismer,  the 
old  gentleman  was  delighted,  and  complimented  me  highly  upon 
my  success. 


324  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

-*4k  ""• 

"  Come,"  he  said,  "  we  must  go  on  shore.  Dinner  is  ready 
for  us." 

"  But  how  shall  I  appear  before  Julia?" 

"  About  as  usual.  Take  no  notice  of  her  coldness,  until  you 
are  compelled  to.  Come,  my  dear  boy,  we  shall  see  daylight,  I 
hope,  in  a  short  time." 

But  I  knew  there  was  no  light  for  me,  for  months  to  come. 

It  was  in  vain  that  Mr.  Cherington  attempted  to  converse  with  me, 
I  could  not  answer  him  in  a  rational  manner,  and  the  old  gentleman, 
with  a  sigh,  gave  up  the  task,  and  in  silence  we  reached  his  door,  and 
entered  the  house.  How  I  missed  a/vvarm  welcome  at  the  hands  of 
Julia  —  she  whom  I  had  so  foully  wronged  !  She  did  not  meet  me 
in  the  entry,  as  was  her  custom,  and  suffer  me  to  throw  my  arms 
around  her  and  kiss  her  lips,  and  the  change  was  terrible  to  an  im- 
pulsive being  like  myself.  For  one  moment  I  stopped  to  collect  all 
my  resolution,  and  then  I  entered  the  sitting-room,  where  I  knew 
I  should  find  the  lady.  As  I  opened  the  door,  she  was  seated  on  a 
«  lounge  at  the  window,  looking  towards  the  harbor,  and  I  knew 
that  her  eyes  were  directed  towards  my  vessel.  She  did  not  stir 
until  I  was  close  to  her.  Then  she  started  up,  and  I  saw  the 
change  which  sickness  had  produced.  Her  face  had  lost  none  of 
its  wonderful  beauty,  although  it  was  pale,  very  pale ;  but  the 
skin  was  transparently  pure,  and  the  blue  veins  could  be  traced 
from  the  temple  to  the  cheek,  like  small  streams  in  a  lovely  land- 
scape. Her  black  eyes  looked  larger  than  ever,  but  they  were  not 
flushing  and  full  of  fun,  as  on  former  days.  •  They  were  more 
gentle,  but  perhaps  full  as  attractive.  . 

"  Julia,"  I  said,  and  held  out  both  hands.  I  could  not  speak 
another  word  if  my  life  had  depended  upon  the  effort.  My  head 
throbbed  as  though  it  would  burst,  and  it  was  only  by  an  effort 
that  I  could  keep  my  tears  from  falling. 

"  O,  Charles,"  Julia  said ;  and  she  touched  one  of  my  hands, 
and  then  sank  upon  a  lounge,  agitated  and  faint. 

For  a  few  minutes  neither  of  us  spoke. 

"  I  am  sorry,  very  sorry,  that  you  have  been  ill,  Julia,"  I  said, 
at  last. 

"  I  have  been  ill,  but  am  much  better,"  was  the  answer  ;  and 
the  conversation  ceased  for  a  time. 

Mr.  Cherington  had  not  entered  the  room,  so  that  we  could  con- 
verse at  leisure ;  but  I  saw  that  no  explanation  was  likely  to 
ensue,  unless  I  pressed  the  master. 


A   PAINFUL   MEETING.  325 

"  I  had  looked  forward  to  this  meeting  with  much  pleasure," 
I  said,  at  length.  "  For  many  months  I  have  thought  only  of 
you,  and  the  joy  of  seeing  you." 

She  raised  her  calm,  black  eyes,  and  looked  me  full  in  the  face. 
Heavens  !  what  a  glance  was  that !  Not  scornful  or  malicious, 
but  calm  and  slightly  incredulous,  as  though  my  word  and  virtue 
were  doubted.  I  could  not  endure  it ;  so  my  eyes  were  lowered  - 
to  the  straw  carpeting  upon  the  floor.  She  did  not  answer  me, 
but  gazed  towards  the  harbor  after  she  had  given  ine  such  a 
searching  look  ;  but  I  saw  that  her  face  flushed,  and  her  eyes 
looked  humid,  as  though  tears  were  only  kept  back  by  an  effort. 

"  Julia,"  I  whispered,  with  a  slight  pressure  of  her  hand,  "  do 
you  hate  me  ?  " 

"  O,  no,  Charles  ;  you  know  that  I  do  not." 
"Then  why  do  you  receive   me  in  this  cold,  cruel  manner? 
What  faults  have  I  committed  that  cannot  be  pardoned  by  you  ?  " 

"  Do  not  distress  me  by  asking,  Charles.  I  have  loved  you 
dearly  —  I  still  love  you,  and  always  shall ;  but  I  have  heard  such 
strange  reports  concerning  your  conduct,  that  you  must  not  expect 
me  to  give  you  the  hand  which  you  now  hold." 

I  felt  the  struggle  coming,  and  I  nerved  myself  to  the  task  of 
meeting  it,  although  I  feared  that  it  would  be  helpless,  and  render 
me  more  unhappy  than  at  present. 

"  Do  you  mean,  Julia,"  I  asked,  in  a  low  tone,  "  that  I  must 
no  longer  look  upon  you  as  my  affianced  wife?" 

She  bowed  her  head  in  token  of  assent,  and  then  the  tears 
did  flow  in  spite  of  all  control,  and  she  sobbed  most  bitterly ; 
but  during  her  burst  of  grief,  she  did  not  reject  the  arm  which 
I  placed  around  her  waist,  nor  did  she  repulse  me  when  I  drew 
her  head  to  my  shoulder,  and  kissed  the  tears  from  her  eyes.  I 
thought  that  I  had  conquered,  and  that  my  faults  would  be  over- 
looked ;  but  I  presumed  too  much,  for,  after  enjoying  a  few 
minutes'  taste  of  heaven,  the  brave  girl  withdrew  herself  from  my 
arms,  and  made  an  effort  to  check  her  tears. 

"  O,  Charles,  how  could  you  conduct  in  such  a  manner  while 
absent?  "  she  asked.  "  If  you  had  no  love  for  me,  why  did  you 
say  that  you  had?  You  knew  that  I  loved  you,  and  you  alone, 
and  that  I  would  have  died  ere  I  had  been  guilty  of  wrong  in 
your  absence.  Not  a  day  has  passed  but  I  have  prayed  for  your 
return  ;  and  0,  how  much  I  desired  it !  I  have  pictured  to  my- 


326  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

self  the  happiness  which  we  should  enjo)\  I  thought  you  truth- 
ful and  honest.  Would  that  I  could  still  labor  under  that  de- 
lusion." 

"  Are  you  sure,  Julia,"  I  asked,  "  that  I  am  as  bad  as  you 
have  heard  ?  Will  you  not  allow  me  to  explain  some  of  the  mys- 
teries which  you  have  been  told  ?  " 

"  I  will  hear  all  that  you  have  to  say.  You  shall  not  be  con- 
demned unheard.  Tell  me  in  a  truthful  manner  all  that  a  maide  i 
should  hear,  and  then  I  will  judge  you  justly." 

Of  course  I  intended  to  tell  the  truth,  but  in  doing  so  it  was 
not  necessary  that  I  should  tell  the  whole  truth  ;  for  if  I  had,  it 
would  only  have  distressed  the  dear  girl,  and  I  was  desirous  of 
avoiding  that  as  much  as  possible.  For  a  moment  I  thought 
what  kind  of  a  story  I  should  invent,  for  I  feared  her  anger  and 
reproaches,  and  trembled  at  her  power.  But  while  I  was  collect- 
ing my  thoughts  I  saw  that  Julia's  eyes  were  upon  me,  and  I 
knew  that  she  was  reading  my  intentions.  This  confused  me  a 
little,  and  I  feared  that  I  looked  guilty.  Under  that  impression 
I  faltered. 

"  I  am  ready  to  hear  your"  excuse,  provided  you  have  one," 
Julia  said,  after  a  moment's  silence. 

Thus  urged  on,  I  commenced  an  account  of  my  voyage  to  the 
Ladrones,  but  I  entirely  forgot  to  mention  that  Lilly  accompanied 
me.  I  thought  that  it  would  be  useless  to  mention  such  a  trifling 
circumstance,  unless  Julia  alluded  to  it.  I  told  her  of  Bunker's 
flirtation  with  Dorothea,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 
that  it  was  not  believed  in  all  respects.  I  could  see  that  by  her 
eyes.  I  lightly  alluded  to  Constance  as  a  pert  young  miss,  un- 
worthy, of  consideration,  and  possessing  no  beauty  excepting  a 
pair  of  bright  eyes  ;  and  then  I  explained  how  it  happened  that  I 
took  Dorothea  to  San  Francisco.  She  was  in  search  of  the  man 
she  loved,  and  who  loved  her,  and  I  had  seen  them  happily  mar- 
ried. I  invested  the  affair  with  as  much  romance  as  possible ; 
for  romance  touches  a  woman's  heart  quicker  than  any  other  feel- 
ing. I  told  her  how  grateful  the  couple  were  to  me  for  my 
trouble,  and  how  enthusiastic  they  were,  when  they  learned  that 
I  was  returning  to  Honolulu  in  hope  of  securing  a  darling  little 
wife.  Julia's  face  did  not  change  at  the  last  words,  and,  mental- 
ly, I  was  compelled  to  confess  that  I  had  undertaken  more  than  I 
could  carry  through.  I  had  tried  to  excite  her  mirth,  and  he* 


ALL   ABACK.'  327 

love  of  romance  ;  but  I  had  failed  in  the  most  signal  manner,  and 
considered  that  iny  cause  was  lost.  There  was  an  awkward 
pause  for  a  few  moments.  I  attempted  to  catch  a  glimpse  of 
Julia's  face,  but  she  was  looking  out  of  the  window,  and  avoided 
my  gaze.  Still  she  suffered  me  to  hold  her  hand,  and  to  press  it ; 
but  no  pressure  was  returned.  I  felt  that  if  she  loved  me  she 
was  struggling  hard  to  prevent  it  from  appearing,  and  this  I  re- 
garded as  an  ominous  sign. 

"  Julia,"  I  whispered,  drawing  the  dear  girl  nearer  to  me,  "  do 
you  still  love  me  ?  " 

"  As  much  as  ever  —  more,  perhaps,"  was  the  trembling  answer. 

I  attempted  to  kiss  her  lips  upon  the  strength  of  this  confession, 
but  she  drew  back  her  head. 

"  No,  Charles,  no.  It  is  neither  right  nor  proper  that  you 
should  act  thus.  We  are  friends,  but  can  no  longer  be  lovers. 
Let  that  suffice  you." 

Gasping  for  breath,  still  I  determined  to  persevere  and  urge 
my  suit,  and  win  her  at  last. 

k'  Julia,"  I  said,  in  tremulous  tones,  u  you  are  unjust  and  cruel. 
Have  I  deserved  such  treatment  at  the  hands  of  one  who  stands 
pledged  to  become  my  wife  ?  " 

I  saw  the  rich  blood  mantle  her  face,  and  her  eyes  grew  brighter. 

"  Remember,  Charles,"  she  said,  "  when  I  promised  you  my 
hand,  it  was  with  the  understanding  that  you  should  give  up  your 
follies  and  silly  pranks.  Has  such  been  the  case?  I  pardoned 
your  conduct  at  Kammaira,  because  you  were  under  no  vows  to 
me.  When  you  asked  for  my  hand,  I  promised  it  to  you  under 
certain  conditions.  You  recollect  them  —  do  you  not?" 

I  did  recollect,  but  man-like  I  pretended  to  have  forgotten 
them,  and  assumed  a  look  of  surprise.  She  noticed  the  expres- 
sion upon  my  face,  and  added,  — 

i  "Let  me  enlighten  you,  Charles.  You  promised  me  that, 
under  all  and  every  circumstance  you  would  remain  pure  and 
good.  Have  you  kept  your  word?" 

"  Of  course  I  have,"  I  answered,  with  a  look  of  innocence. 
4  O,  how  can  you  doubt  me  ? ." 

The  sweet  eyes  of  my  companion  took  one  hasty  glance  at  my 
face,  and  then  gazed  out  upon  the  harbor,  and  the  Helen,  which 
was  lying  at  anchor  in  the  basin,  and  I  recollected  that  Lilly  was 
oil  board  the  vessel. 


828  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  O,  Charles,  Charles  !  "  and  then,  to  my  horror,  her  fair  face 
was  bowed  and  covered  by  her  hands. 

I  whispered  a  thousand  words  of  consolation  as  I  held  her  in 
my  arms,  and  for  the  second  time  during  the  interview  she  suf- 
fered me  to  kiss  the  tears  from  her  eyes.  But  she  yielded  only 
to  a  momentary  weakness.  As  soon  as  reason  returned,  she  with- 
drew from  my  embrace,  and  her  tears  ceased. 

"  Charles,"  she  said,  laying  a*  hand  upon  my  shoulder,  and 
with  her  soft  eyes  looking  me  full  in  the  face,  "  have  you  told 
me  all?" 

"  Of  course  I  have,  you  little  darling,"  making  an  attempt  to 
seize  her  hand  and  kiss  it ;  but  she  repulsed  the  action  with  such 
firmness  that  I  desisted,  and  looked  quite  humble. 

There  was  a  moment's  silence,  and  then  Julia  spoke. 

"  Once  more,  Charles  ;  have  you  confessed  all?" 

She  did  not  look  at  me  while  speaking.  Perhaps  if  she  had  I 
should  have  faltered.  But  her  eyes  were  turned  from  me,  and  I 
gained  courage  to  adhere  to  the  monstrous  lie  which  I  had  told. 

"  Of  course  I  have  informed  you  of  all.     Do  not  doubt  me." 

She  sighed,  and  arose  from  the  window,  as  though  to  leave  the 
room.  I  noticed  that  she  was  deadly  pale,  and  that  her  steps 
faltered.  I  sprang  forward  to  assist  her ;  but  she  repulsed  me 
with  such  firmness  and  dignity  that  I  was  awed,  and  retreated. 

"  Here  we  part,  Charles,"  she  said ;  but  the  words  came  .from 
her  lips  with  an  effort,  and  her  form  trembled  as  she  uttered 
them. 

"  Part,  Julia  !  "  I  exclaimed,  in  pretended  astonishment.  "  0, 
no  ;  do  not  pronounce  so  harsh  a  decree." 

*l  It  must  be  so,  although  my  heart  bleeds  to  utter  the  words. 
You  are  free  to  choose  a  wife  where  you  please.  I  release  you 
from  the  bonds  which  were  imposed,  and  in  doing  so  I  also  free 
myself.  It  is  better  for  both  of  us.  You  are  fickle,  and  I  dare 
not  trust  my  happiness  in  your  keeping.  You  now  think  that 
you  love  me  —  " 

"  Think,  Julia  !  "  I  exclaimed,  interrupting  her.  "  O,  if  you 
only  knew  the  love  which  now  stirs  my  heart,  you  would  pity 
me,  and  not  have  listened  to  the  tales  of  evil-minded  persons 
while  I  was  absent.  They  slandered  me,  and  you  have  given 
me  no  chance  for  contradiction.  Perhaps  our  engagement 
weighed  heavily  upon  you,  and  you  seek  this  means  of  aimul« 


A    BROKEN   ENGAGEMENT.  329 

ling  it.  Well,  let  it  be  so.  I  am  as  proud  as  you,  and  shall  cease 
my  pleadings,  now  and  forever." 

Sharp  as  my  words  were,  she  did  not  become  angry  at  them. 
Her  cheeks  flushed  a  little,  and  her  eyes  looked  more  humid,  but 
that  was  all.  In  a  moment  she  was  as  calm  as  ever. 

44  Your  words  pain  me,  but  they  do  not  anger  me,  Charles.  I 
know  your  disposition  much  better  than  you  think  for.  Come, 
let  us  be  friends,  but  not  lovers.  We  must  inhabit  the  same 
house,  and  should  treat  each  other  courteously." 

She  extended  her  thin,  fair  hand,  through  which  the  blue  veins 
could  be  traced  like  lines  in  marble  ;  but  I  folded  my  arms,  and 
stepped  back. 

"•I  thank  you  for  the  hint,"  I  said,  in  a  bitter  tone.  4'  This 
house,  you  think,  is  too  small  for  both  of  us.  I  hope  that  I  have 
money  enough  to  find  another  shelter,  and  one,  I  trust,  more 
agreeable  than  this." 

"  O,  Charles,  Charles,"  she  moaned ;  but  I  was  a  beaten,  baf- 
fled, furious  wretch,  and  heeded  not  her  scared  looks  or  imploring 
gestures. 

"  Perhaps  you  think  I  have  not  wealth  enough  to  support 
you  in  state,"  I  cried,  with  a  mocking  sneer.  44 1  have  the  pleas- 
ure to  inform  you  that  I  am  rich  —  rich  beyond  my  wildest  ex- 
pectations. It  was  for  your  sake  that  I  sought  wealth,  and  now 
I  am  glad  that  you  discarded  me  before  you  learned  it  is  mine. 
Look  !  "  and  I  tore  open  my  vest,  and  brought  to  light  a  bag  con- 
taining the  diamonds  which  Mr.  Wismer  had  bequeathed  me. 
44  These  are  worth  forty  thousand  dollars.  Do  you  know  what  I 
intended  to  have  done  with  every  one  of  them  ?  They  were  to  be 
strung  upon  your  person,  neck,  bosom,  and  fingers,  and  I  was  to 
fall  down  and  worship  you." 

O,  the  look  of  scorn  which  was  impressed  upon  that  fair  face ! 
I  never  saw  such  a  glance  before.  It  would  have  struck  me 
dumb  if  I  had  not  been  filled  with  rage  and  conceit.  She  was 
silent.  I  saw  that  I  had  made  no  impression  with  my  diamonds ; 
BO  I  thrust  them  into  my  pocket,  and  turned  to  leave  the  room. 

u  One  moment,  Charles,"  the  lady  said  ;  and  I  stopped  to  listen 
to  her. 

"  You  have  taunted  me  most  unjustly,  but  I  forgive  you.  I 
care  nothing  for  your  wealth  and  your  jewels.  I  loved  you  for 
yourself,  as  I  believed  you  loved  me.  This  you  are  well  aware 


330  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

of,  for  I  promised  you  my  hand  when  you  were  far  from  being 
rich.  But  let  that  pass.  You  think  that  I  have  treated  you  un- 
justly. On  that  point  we  differ.  I  asked  you  for  a  full  confes- 
sion. You  equivocated,  and  gave  me  but  half,  and  that  the  best. 
You  did  not  speak  of  that  miserable  native  girl  who  was  on  board 
your  vessel  when  you  first  visited  California,  and  who  went  with 
you  to  the  Ladrones,  where  she  was  seen  by  one  who  knew  her 
when  she  resided  in  the  village  of  Kammaira.  All  this  time  she 
was  dressed  in  boy's  clothes,  and  occupied  a  portion  of  your  cabiu. 
Dare  you  deny  that  at  this  moment  the  girl  is  on  board  the  Helen? 
Dare  you  deny  the  statements  I  have  made?  Charles,  Charles, 
you  have  "this  day  told  me  a  monstrous  lie.  May  God  forgive 
you,  as  I  do." 

I  felt  as  though  the  house  was  shaken  by  an  earthquake.  The 
air  seemed  dark,  thick,  and  heavy.  My  frame  trembled,  and  I 
gasped  as  though  I  should  suffocate.  I  was  weighed  down  by 
the  crushing  blow  which  had  fallen  upon  me ;  and  yet  I  was 
filled  with  fierce  rage,  and  I  knew  that  my  eyes  were  bloodshot 
from  passion. 

"  One  word,"  I  managed  to  gasp,  although  the  effort  nearly 
choked  me.  "  Who  informed  you  of  all  this?" 

"  I  willjanswer  on  one  condition." 

"  Name  it,  and  be  quick,  or  I  shall  suffocate  in  this  close 
room." 

"Is  the  report  true?     On  your  soul,  Charles,  is  it  true?" 

"  Every  word  of  it.  The  girl  did  go  with  me,  and  she  is  on 
board  at  the  present  time." 

Julia  turned  away  her  head,  and  I  heard  a  sob  as  she  an- 
swered, — 

"  Kamaka." 

I  waited  to  hear  no  more.  I  left  the  room,  seized  my  hat,  and 
dashed  from  the  house  with  murderous  thoughts  in  my  brain, 
and  my  heart  beating  as  though  it  would  burst.  As  I  reached 
the  sidewalk  in  my  headlong  career,  I  fancied  I  heard  some  one 
call  my  name  ;  but  I  did  not  stop.  Down  the  street  I  rushed, 
intent  only  on  finding  the  kanaka  who  had  exposed  me  so  many 
times,  and  crossed  my  path  just  as  I  supposed  it  was  free  from 
difficulties.  I  wanted  revenge  for  the  injuries  which  he  had  in- 
flicted. His  life,  I  thought,  should  be  sacrificed  io  the  shrine  of 
vengeance,  and  I  cared  not  what  became  of  me  if  I  cou^J  but 
crush  the  meddling  rascal. 


BLOW    FOR   BLOW.  331 

Just  as  I  readied  the  corner  of  Queen  and  Kaahamann  Streets, 
who  should  I  meet,  face  to  face,  but  the  tattooed  rascal  I  was  in 
search  of.  He  did  not  notice  me  until  I  had  my  hand  upon  his 
throat,  compressing  his  windpipe  with  no  gentle  grasp.  Then  he 
showed  fear  in  every  feature  of  his  dark  face. 

"  Dog,"  I  said,  in  a  hoarse  whisper,  "  you  have  told  tales  re- 
garding me,  and  now  I  mean  to  kill  you." 

He  struggled  to  get  away,  but  I  held  him  firmly.  His  resist- 
ance was  useless,  and  only  enraged  me  the  more.  If  I  had  had 
a  weapon  I  should  have  taken  his  life,  for  I  was  hardly  conscious 
of  my  acts.  I  only  saw  before  me  the  man's  face ;  and  lifting 
my  hand  I  struck  it  several  times,  and  blood  followed  each  blow. 
A  crowd  gathered  around  us  ;  but  I  cared  not,  for  it  did  not  in- 
terfere with  the  fight,  or  attempt  to  rescue  the  kanaka  from 
my  angry  grasp.  I  heard  the  man  begging  for  mercy,  but  I 
was  deaf  to  his  entreaties.  At  last  he  fell,  and  with  my  foot  I 
spurned  him,  and  passed  on. 

"  Look  out,"  shouted  some  one  in  the  crowd  ;  "  he  has  a  knife." 

But  I  did  not  heed  the  warning,  and  the  next  moment  I  felt  a 
sharp  sting  near  my  right  shoulder-blade ;  and  the  blow  was  so 
sudden  and  strong  that  I  pitched  forward  and  fell  upon  my  hands 
and  knees. 

In  an  instant  I  was  on'  my  feet ;  but  the  man  who  stabbed 
me  had  disappeared  in  the  crowd  of  natives,  and  I  knew  that  I 
could  not  find  him,  for  the  kanakas  would  assist  his  escape. 
:    "  Kamaka  did  it,"  said  a  white  man  who  was  standing  near 
me.     "  He  struck  hard,  but  I  trust  you  are  not  hurt." 

"  No,  not  much,  I  think  ;  "  and  I  passed  down  the  street  to- 
wards the  basin,  for  the  purpose  of  reaching  the  Helen  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  having  my  wound  examined. 

I  felt  blood  trickling  down  my  back,  and  began  to  experi- 
ence a  sudden  feeling  of  weakness  ;  but  I  persevered,  and  reached 
the  deck  of  my  vessel,  and  as  I  passed  along  towards  the  cabin, 
my  blood  stained  the  planks  and  alarmed  my  men.  They  rushed 
towards  me,  and  assisted  me  into  a  state-room  ;  and  the  last  thing 
that  I  recollected,  was  feeling  Lilly's  lips  pressed  to  mine,  and 
her  arms  around  my  neck. 

I  awoke  weak  and  feverish.  I  saw  that  I  was  lying  in  my 
state-room  berth  ;  and  by  my  side  was  Lilly,  cooling  my  head 
with  a  fan,  which  she  waved  without  cessation.  For  a  few 


332  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

moments  I  watched  her  face  unobserved.  It  bore  the  traces  of 
suffering  and  grief,  but  I  knew  that  on  my  account  she  mourned ; 
and  the  thought  that  I  was  loved  by  the  kanaka  girl  caused  a 
thrill  of  pleasure  to  pass  through  rny  feeble  frame,;  for  I  recol- 
lected that  I  was  discarded  by  one  whom  I  loved,  and  I  would  now 
show  that  I  could  be  as  indifferent  and  careless  as  herself.  I 
did  not  know  how  long  I  had  been  insensible,  but  I  thought  it 
could  not  be  a  great  while,  although  niy  shoulder  was  stiff  and 
heavily  bandaged.  A  slight  movement  on  my  part  attracted 
Lilly's  attention,  and  when  she  saw  that  my  eyes  were  open,  her 
face  expressed  the  most  intense  joy. 

"  You  will  live,"  she  cried,  "  you  will  live  !  "  and  she  sunk  upon 
her  knees,  and  laid  her  fair  face  close  to  mine,  and  wiped  the 
moisture  from  my  brow. 

Although  I  was  grateful  to  the  girl  for  her  attentions,  yet  I 
could  not  help  thinking  how  much  more  I  should  have  preferred 
seeing  Julia's  head  in  the  same  place  ;  so  I  could  not  prevent  an 
expression  of  impatience,  which  I  know  caused  pain  to  Lilly's 
heart  —  for  I  saw  it  reflected  on  her  face. 

"  How  long  have  I  lain  here?"  I  asked. 

"  Since  yesterday.  We  feared  that  you  would  die,  for  you  lost 
much  blood.  The  doctor  says  you  were  not  to  talk  much." 

u  Then  give  me  a  drink  and  leave  me." 

The  girl  raised  my  head  and  put  a  glass  of  lemonade  to  my 
lips.  I  drank,  and  then  my  kind  attendant  stole  from  the  room 
and  closed  the  door.  I  lay  in  my  state-room  in  sullen  silence, 
and  thought  of  the  past  and  the  dreary  future,  until  I  fell  asleep 
through  weakness ;  and  when  I  awoke  I  found  Mr.  Cherington 
by  my  side. 

"  Well,  my  boy,  how  do  you  feel?"  he  asked,  in  a  tone  of 
sympathy. 

"  Better,  I  think." 

"  You  have  had^a  narrow  escape,  Charles.  The  rascal  aimed 
well,  and  only  missed  a  weak  spot  by  the  breadth  of  a  hair.  We 
have  had  parties  searching  the  island  for  him,  but  I  fear  that  he 
has  escaped." 

"  The  next  time  I  meet  him  he  will  not  escape,"  I  muttered. 

My  partner  sighed,  and  was  silent. 

"  There  is  one  transaction  connected  with  our  settlement  which 
I  failed  to  mention,"  I  said.  "  I  intended  to  surprise  you  with 


NEWS    FKOM   JULIA.  333 

the  details  at  dinner,  and  see  if  you  thought  it  just  that  the  funda 
should  go  into  the  concern." 

Mr.  Cherington  looked  astonished  and  anxious  ;  and  then  I 
told  him  how  I  had  saved  Mr.  Wismer  from  a  terrible  death,  and 
how  he  had  bequeathed  to  me  his  fortune,  amounting  to  some 
eighty  thousand  dollars  or  more.  I  then  hinted  how  pleased  I  was 
with  the  thought  that  I  should  share  all  with  Julia,  and  how  ter- 
rible was  my  disappointment.  My  partner  listened  patiently,  and 
after  I  had  finished,  he  said,  — 

"  I  can't  see  how  I  can  demand  a  share  of  the  money.  It  was 
a  private  donation,  and  as  such  you  are  entitled  to  it.  Keep  the 
money  and  the  diamonds,  Charles,  for  I  have  no  claim  on  them." 

Of  course  I  thanked  him  for  his  kindness,  and  then  he  left  me, 
carrying  on  shore  the  gold  and  the  diamonds  which  I  had  on 
board.  He  thought  the  treasure  safer  in  the  store  than  in  the 
vessel,  and  I  agreed  with  him. 

A.gaiu  in  the  afternoon  Mr.  Cherington  came  on  board,  and  was 
glad  to  see  that  my  wound  was  doing  well,  and  that  I  was  able 
to  sit  up,  and  even  talk  a  little.  He  told  me  that  the  kanaka, 
Kamaka,  had  left  the  island  in  a  canoe,  and  that  no  doubt  he  had 
gone  to  Lahaina,  some  eighty  miles  distant.  If  such  was  the 
case,  the  fellow  would  be  arrested,  for  government  had  sent  or- 
ders to  that  effect. 

"Julia  is  quite  anxious  respecting  you,  Charles,"  my  partner 
continued. 

"  Indeed  !  I  am  sorry  that  she  should  be  disturbed  for  the  fate 
of  one  whom  she  has  ceased  to  regard." 

"  She  has  not  ceased  her  regard  for  you,  and  she  told  you  so. 
You  have  committed  certain  acts  which  she  deems  unpardonable. 
Ask  your  own  heart  if  you  do  not  think  she  is  right.  Every 
charge  she  made  is  substantiated  ;  and  with  such  an  array  of 
facts,  what  could  she  do  ?  " 

1  was  silent,  for  I  knew  that  she  had  acted  right  and  proper. 

"  She  has  heard  with  much  regret  that  you  refuse  to  be  re- 
moved to  my  house  on  account  of  meeting  her.  She  does  not 
want  you  to  experience  any  such  feeling.  It  is  foreign  to  your 
nature,  and  distresses  my  daughter  as  well  as  myself.  You  can 
be  friends.  You  must  be  friends,  and  let  us  hope  that  time 
will  bring  matters  right.  Now,  let  me  take  you  on  shore,,  and 
you  will  find  in  Julia  a  sister." 


"  No,  no,  no  !  "  I  said,  after  a  moment's  reflection.  "  I  could 
not  see  her  near  me  without  feeling  the  loss  which  I  have 
sustained.  Absence  will,  I  hope,  cure  me  of  the  passion  which  I 
entertain  for  her..  I  cannot  now  act  towards  her  a  brother's 
part.  Will  you  tell  her  this?  Let  her  know  that  at  the 
present  time,  while  suffering  from  this  wound,  my  thoughts  are 
of  her  and  of  the  happy  hours  which  we  have  passed  together.  I 
now  know  my  own  unworthiness,  and  esteem  her  many  good 
qualities.  If  we  do  not  meet  for  some  months,  we  may,  in  a 
measure,  forget  each  other.  It  will  require  an  effort  on  my  part. 
Heaven  grant  that  she  may  be  as  happy  as  she  deserves.  If  I 
could  live  my  life  over,  I  would  act  in  a  different'manner."  •  J 

"  Then  why  not  commence  a  new  life  from  the  present  time, 
Charles  ?  Show  Julia  that  you  are  sincere  in  your  repentance, 
and  she  may  look  with  compassion  upon  your  sufferings." 

"How?  "I  asked. 

"  Send  that  kanaka  girl  on  shore,  and  dissolve  the  connection  at 
once.  Julia  knows  that  she  is  on  board,  and  I  suspected,  but 
said  nothing.  If  you  are  anxious  for  repentance,  now  is  the  time 
to  show  it." 

The  proposition  startled  me,  and  I  required  time  to  think  of 
it.  If  I  sent  Lilly  on  shore,  would  Julia  look  upon  me  with 
more  favor?  I  was  inclined  to  doubt  it,  and  with  uncertainty 
why  should  I  discard  Lilly  and  break  her  heart  ?  She  was  now 
my  true  friend,  and  I  her  only  protector,  and  I  should  be  base 
indeed  if  I  suffered  her  to  be  thrust  away.  All  these  things 
I  thought  of  while  Mr.  Cherington  sat  opposite  me,  watching  my 
face. 

"  Well,  Charles,  what  answer  do  you  give  me  ?  "  my  partner 
asked. 

u  I  cannot  do  it,"  I  answered.  u  Julia  has  discarded  me,  and 
it  would  look  weak  to  yield  now.  She  would  mistrust  my  mo- 
tives, and  think  that  I  was  inclined  to  play  the  hypocrite  for  the 
sake  of  winning  her  back." 

"  And  did  you  not  intend  to  send  that  kanaka  girl  home  if  you 
married  Julia?"  asked  Mr.  Cherington  in  a  stern  tone. 

"  Of  course.     How  can  you  doubt  it?" 

"  Then  I  cannot  see  your  consistency,  my  boy,"  was  the  an- 
Bwer;  and  a  moment's  reflection  taught  me  that  he  had  taken  just 
grounds. 


A   NEW   PLAN.  335       _ 

I  could  not  pursue  the  conversation  further,  for  I  felt  fatigued 
and  dissatisfied ;  and  my  partner  saw  it ;  so  talked  of  other 
matters. 

"I  shall  have  a  large  number  of  passengers  for  you  by  the  time 
you  get  able  to  sail.  There  is  quite  a  fever  in  Honolulu  for  emi- 
grating to  the  mines.  I  think  that  we  can  make  more  money  by 
carrying  passengers  than  we  can  by  buying  fruits  at  the  present 
prices.  What  is  your  opinion?  " 

I  "  The  same.  California  will  be  flooded  in  a  short  time,  and 
prices  will  droop.  We  have  made  all  the  money  that  we  can 
make  by  trade,  and  now  we  must  look  out  for  other  sources  of 
revenue." 

I  "Have  you  any  suggestions  to  make  in  that  respect?"  my 
partner  asked. 

u  Yes  ;  but  perhaps  they  will  not  strike  you  as  favorable." 

"  Let  me  hear  them,  and  then  I  will  judge." 

"  You  know,  sir,  that  it  would  not  be  agreeable  to  me  to  re- 
main long  in  Honolulu.  It  is  better  on  Julia's  account  and  on 
my  own  that  I  be  absent.  Now,  I  think  that  if  I  can  sell  the 
schooner  at  San  Francisco,  I  had  better  do  so,  and  take  my  party 
to  the  mines.  They  will  follow  me  and  stick  to  me.  We  shall 
incur  but  a  trifling  expense,  and  may  make  some  money.  In  the 
mean  time  you  can  carry  on  the  business  here,  and  do  as  well  as 
.-ever  —  perhaps  better,  for  we  have  a  large  capital  to  operate 
with,  and  can  take  advantage  of  the  market." 

"  I  like  the  plan,"  said  my  partner,  after  a  moment's  thought, 
"  and  give  it  my  hearty  consent.  You  will  write  to  me  often, 
and  I  will  keep  you  advised  of  matters  at  home.  Besides,  by 
ivery  vessel  that  leaves  port  I  can  send  you  fruits  and  a  few  lux- 
uries which  you  may  like,  and  cannot  obtain  in  the  mines.  Of 
course  all  the  money  that  is  made  by  either  branch  is  to  be  shared 
equally." 

"  Of  course,"  I  Said.  "  As  far  as  the  crew  is  concerned,  I 
shall  propose  that  they  receive  a  percentage  of  all  the  dust  which 
they  gather,  we  finding  provisions,  tents,  and  tools."  . 

The  next  day  I  was  able  to  resell  the  deck,  and  my  appearance 
caused  much  joy  to  my  crew.  They  crowded  aft  to  welcome  me, 
and  were  ready  to  do  anything  to  promote  my  comfort.  I  thought 
this  a  good  time  to  mention  the  proposition  which  I  had  submitted 
to  my  partner ;  so  I  told  the  men  the  idea  which  I  had  formed, 


336  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

and  inquired  if  they  were  willing  to  go  with  me.  They  all  an- 
swered in  the  affirmative,  and  were  eager  that  I  should  make 
my  own  terms  with  them.  The  crew  went  forward  to  talk  the 
matter  over,  and  left  me  with  Lilly. 

"  Can  I  go  with  you  to  the  mines?"  asked  the  kanaka  girl,  in 
a  timid  manner,  as  though  fearful  of  a  refusal. 

"  Yes  ;  if  you  desire  to." 

"  And  shall  I  meet  many  women  there?" 

"  No  ;  probably  not  one." 

"  I  am  glad  of  that,"  she  said,  with  a  happy  smile. 

"Why?" 

"  Because  —  "  and  then  she  hesitated,  and  stole  a  look  at  my 
face. 

"  Speak  freely.     What  do  you  mean?  " 

"  You  won't  see  those  whom  you  love  more  than  you  do  me." 

She  appeared  frightened  at  her  temerity,  and  "evidently  ex- 
pected a  hasty  word ;  but  I  made  no  reply,  for  I  was  thinking  of 
Julia,  and  wondering  if  she  would  regret  my  absence.  I  wanted 
to  see  her  and  talk  with  her,  but  my  pride  would  not  permit  me 
to  ask  the  favor,  neither  would  I  visit  the  house  before  I  sailed, 
much  as  I  desired  to.  I  would  have  given  the  world,  if  I  had 
owned  it,  for  the  purpose  of  being  pardoned  ;  but  I  could  not  take 
the  proper  steps  to  secure  such  a  desirable  result.  I  was  the 
most  unhappy  of  mortals,  and  needed  some  stirring  adventures  to 
banish  the  past  from  my  mind,  so  that  I  could  look  forward  with 
some  degree  of  calmness  to  the  future;  and  while  I  was  thus 
meditating,  a  boat  came  alongside,  and  one  of  Mr.  Cherington's 
servants  reached  the  deck,  walked  aft,  and  placed  a  note  in 
my  hand.  I  saw  that  it  was  directed  in  Julia's  handwriting,  and 
with  trembling  nerves  I  broke  the  seal,  and  read  as  follows  :  — 

"  DEAR  CHARLES  :  Forgive  me  if  I  am  too  familiar,  for  you 
are  still  dear  to  me,  although  we  are  separated  forever.  I  trust 
that  you  do  not  hate  me  for  the  course  that  I  have  pursued.  It 
was  dictated  by  high  motives,  and  my  conscience  acquits  me  of 
all  blame.  O,  Charles,  why  were  you  not  good  and  honorable, 
and  why  did  you  not  realize  the  expectations  which  I  had  formed 
of  you?  Could  not  the  pure  love  of  one  suffice?  You  have 
wronged  me,  and  I  feel  as  though  my  heart  would  break  ;  but  I 
have  sought  consolation  in  prayer,  and  God  has  strengthened  me 


AN   AFFECTING   LETTER.  337 

Why  do  you  not  turn  to  the  same  source  of  goodness,  and  ask 
support?  O,  Charles,  if  you  had  but  avoided  evil,  —  had  but 
loved  me  as  man  should  love  his  betrothed,  —  all  this  trouble 
would  have  been  avoided,  and  we  should  now  be  happy,  and  be- 
yond the  danger  of  reverses.  Can  I  not  entreat  you  to  avoid 
the  course  which  you  are  now  pursuing?  My  father  tells  me 
that  you  will  soon  sail  for  California,  and  be  absent  many  months. 
I  am  sorry  that  such  is  the  case,  for,  in  that  wild  country,  I  fear 
you  will  not  improve  ;  but  I  pray  you  be  as  good  as  possible, 
and  return  as  soon  as  you  can.  In  me  you  will  always  find  a 
friend,  and  one  who  hopes  for  your  happiness.  I  wish  that  you 
«vere  with  us  now,  so  that  I  could  wait  upon  you  while  you  are 
recovering  from  your  wound  ;  but  my  father  tells  me  that  you  are 
pbstiuate,  and  refuse  to  leave  the  vessel.  Under  the  circum- 
stances, I  cannot  visit  you,  and  you  must  not  expect  it ;  but  let 
me  see  you  before  you  sail,  if  only  for  a  moment.  Believe  me,  I 
shall  not  reproach  you  for  your  conduct.  Reproaches  are  num- 
bered with  the  past,  and  I  will  never  bring  them  to  light." 

The  reading  of  this  letter  affected  me  more  than  I  was  willing 
to  acknowledge.  It  was  evident  that  the  dear  girl  still  loved  me, 
but  her  pride  and  self-respect  prevented  her  from  joining  her  fate 
with  mine,  and  I,  knew  her  self-respect  too  well  to  think  that 
argument  would  overcome  the  resolution  which  she  had  formed. 
I  resolved  to  see  the  lady,  and  speak  with  her  ;  but  I  did  not  dare 
to  incur  the  fatigue  until  I  had  gained  more  strength.  I  answered 
the  letter,  but  my  reply  was  short. 

"  Miss  Julia  is  not  well,"  said  the  kanaka,  who  brought  the 
note  on  board,  speaking  in  his  native  dialect.  "  She  looks  very 
pale,  and  unhappy." 

The  rogue  knew  that  we  had  quarrelled,  and  he  was  anxious 
for  a  reconciliation,  for  the  house  was  not  gay  and  festive  while  I 
was  absent.  I  must  confess  that  I  longed  for  the  time  to  arrive, 
when  my  health  would  permit  me  to  visit  Julia.  I  thought  of 
the  matter  for  a  whole  week,  and  at  last  the  surgeon  said  that 
there  was  no  danger  of  a  relapse,  even  if  I  should  become  excited  ; 
and  with  this  assurance,  one  afternoon,  I  dressed  myself  in  a  suit 
of  light  clothing,  and  went  on  shore.  I  found  my  partner's  car- 
riage waiting  for  me  at  the  landing,  and*  entering  it,  was  driven 
to  the  house  which  contained  the  most  precious  treasure,  in  my 
22 


338  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

eyes,  that  the  whole  island  held.  How  my  heart  fluttered  as  I 
entered  the  house  !  I  felt  as  timid  as  a  young  girl  on  the  eve  of 
her  wedding,  and  I  know  that  I  blushed  as  I  opened  the  parlor 
door,  and  saw  Julia  standing  before  me,  with  a  hand  extended,  in 
the  way  of  welcome. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

AN  INTERVIEW. THE   RESULT. BEATEN  AT  ALL   POINTS. OFF 

AGAIN   FOR   CALIFORNIA. ON   THE   PASSAGE. 


I  DID  not  augur  much  good  from  this  reception.  It  was  too 
kind,  and  yet  too  distant,  to  please  me.  I  took  a  seat,  and  she 
placed  a  chair  opposite  to  mine,  and  sat  down.  I  saw  that  her 
face  bore  traces  of  suffering,  and  looked  thinner  than  usual. 
Her  color  had  fled,  and  her  skin  was  as  white  as  a  Vermont  snow 
bank.  My  illness  had  told  upon  me,  also,  and  I  saw  the  dark 
eyes  of  my  friend  scrutinizing  my  face,  and  noting  the  change 
which  had  occurred  there.  For  a  moment  an  expression  of  pity 
was  seen  in  her  glorious  eye,  —  ah  !  so  beautiful  and  gentle  ;  and 
then  it  passed  away,  and  nothing  but  sadness  was  left. 

"  When  do  you  leave  for  California?"  asked  Julia,  at  length. 

"  In  a  few  days." 

"  Shall  you  remain  absent  for  a  long  time?" 

u  I  really  don't  know.  There  is  no  occasion  for  me  to  return 
to  Honolulu  immediately.  I  think  that  I  can  do  better  for  the 
firm  in  California  than  I  can  here.  When  I  arrived  I  hoped 
that  I  should  remain,  but  circumstances  have  occurred  which  will 
prevent  me." 

"  Do  you  think  that  I  have  acted  towards  you  in  an  unjust 
manner  ?  "  the  lady  asked. 

"  I  think  that  you  have  been  ha.sty.  You  should  have  listened 
to  my  explanations." 

"  I  did  so  ;  but  did  the  explanation  redound  to  your  credit?  O, 
Charles,  I  did  think  you  were  different  from  other  men.  I  looked 
upon  you  as  a  model ;  and  what  have  I  found  ?  " 

Perhaps  ray  piteous  look  touched  the  heart  of  the  gentle  lady, 
for  she  added,  — 


A  SAD   INTERVIEW.*  339 

"  0,  Charles,  how  could  you  act  as  you  have  done?  You  never 
loved  me,  or  you  would  have  conducted  in  a  different  manner." 

"Never  loved  you,  Julia?  "  I  repeated;  and  in  an  instant  I 
was  by  her  side,  and  one  arm  was  around  her  waist.  I  thought 
that  she  had  melted,  but  I  found  to  the  contrary ;  for  she  released 
her  form  from  my  clasp,  gently,  but  firmly,  and  pointed  to  the 
seat  which  I  had  vacated,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  up  a  position 
rmore  congenial  to  my  nature. 

"  Will  you  be  seated,  Charles?"  she  asked,  still  remaining  on 
her  feet,  as  though  to  show  that  s*he  was  determined  to  keep  me 
at  a  distance. 

"  If  such  is  your  wish,  I  will ;  "  and  down  I  sat,  but  in  rather  a 
sulky  manner ;  for  I  felt  that  the  prize  was  not  yet  mine,  and  that 
it  was  still  slipping  through  my  fingers. 

"  Let  us  talk  calmly  as  friends,  not  as  lovers,"  she  said,  after 
•  I  was  quiet.  "  Remember  we  promised  always  to  be  friends." 

"  That  was  a  safe  promise  on  your  part,".  I  remarked,  bitterly, 
"  but  not  on  mine.  When  I  return  I  may  be  able  to  assume  the 
part  you  designate.  As  it  is,  I  cannot  now.  Let  us  part.  This 
interview  is  not  satisfactory  to  me,  and  must  distress  you.  It  will 
amount  to  nothing.  The  promises  which  I  am  prepared  to  make 
will  not  be  received,  and  the  vows  which  I  am  ready  to  utter  will 
not  be  listened  to.  Let  me  kiss  your  hand  and  go,  and  when 
next  we  meet  it  shall  be  in  the  friendly  manner  which  you  pre- 
scribe. This  I  promise  you.  I  will  struggle  with  the  love  which 
now  binds  me  to  you,  and  tear  it  from  my  heart,  even  if  life  goes 
with  it.  Can  I  promise  more  ?" 

She  was  silent  and  thoughtful,  yet  I  saw  no  sign  of  yielding  in 
her  cairn  face. 

"  If  you  think  that  such  a  course  is  best,  I  will  not  oppose 
it,"  she  said,  as  I  rose  from  the  chair  which  I  had  occupied  dur- 
ing the  interview. 

"  Answer  me  one  question,"  I  cried.  "  If  I  should  remain, 
would  your  feelings  undergo  a  change?" 

"  In  what  respect?" 

"  Could  you  be  induced  to  accept  me  as  a  husband  ?  " 

The  lady  shook  her  head. 

"  A  long  probation,  Charles,  would  be  necessary  before  I  could 
consent  to  such  an  arrangement.  Even  then  you  would  have  to 
experience  a  change  of  heart  and  mind,  to  obtain  my  consent." 


340  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

it  0 » 

An  oath  was  on  my  lips,  but,  thank  fortune,  I  suppressed  it.  1 
turned  impatiently  from  the  lady,  and  strode  towards  the  door. 

"  Farewell,"  I  said.     "  You  will  see  me  no  more." 

A  white  hand  was  laid  lightly  upon  my  shoulder,  and  a  gentle 
voice  said,  — 

"  Do  hot  leave  me  in  anger,  Charles  —  not  in  anger." 

I  turned,  threw  my  arms  around  her  waist,  and  before  she  had 
time  to  think,  pressed  my  lips  to  hers.  She  struggled  to  free 
herself  from  my  embrace,  but  I*  held  her  fast. 

u  Is  there  no  hope?"  I  whispered.  "Do  you  doom  me  to 
banishment  without  a  sigh?" 

u  Not  without  sighs  and  tears,  Charles  ;•  but  I  dare  not  trust 
my  happiness,  to  your  fickle  nature." 

I  released  her,  and  stifled  my  wrath  in  the  best  manner  possible. 

"  Are  you  still  angry?"  she  asked. 

I  made  no  reply.  I  took  one  last  look  at  her  sweet  face,  and 
left  the  house,  much  more  miserable  than  when  I  had  entered  it. 
1  walked  slowly  to  the  counting-room,  and  there  found  Mr.  Cher- 
ington  surrounded  by  an  eager  crowd,  anxious  to  engage  passage 
for  California.  My  partner  left  the  people,  and  came  towards  me. 

"  What  success  at  the  house,  Charles?  "  he  asked. 

I  could  not  tell  him.  He  read  it  in  my  face  without  the  aid 
of  words. 

"  Poor  boy  !  I  am  sorry,  but  let  us  hope  for  the  best.  There 
is  time  enough  yet.  When  you  return  she  may  think  differently." 

"  Yes  ;  but  I  shall  not  return  in  a  hurry,"  I  answered.  "  Ab- 
sence alone  can  heal  my  wounds." 

"  Let  us  hope  so ;  but  now  to  business.     When  can  you  sail?" 

*'  To-morrow,  if  necessary." 

"  It  is  not  necessary.     Shall  we  say  the  day  after?" 

"  Yes,  the  quicker  the  better." 

"  Then,  gentlemen,"  addressing  the  passengers,  "  you  must  be 
on  board  at  eight  o'clock  day  after  to-morrow.  Now  I'll  receive 
the  money  for  your  passage  ;  "  and  Mr.  Cherington  went  to  work 
counting  gold  and  silver  as  coolly  as  though  he  thought  of  nothing 
but  business,  and  cared  only  for  that ;  but  I  could  see  that  he  was 
annoyed  at  my  ill  luck,  and  I  knew  that  he  wished  matters  had 
terminated  in  a  different  manner. 

As  soon  as  I  had  concluded  my  affairs,  I  went  on  board,  and 


OFF   FOU   CALIFORNIA   AGAIN.  341 

)muienced  preparations  for  sailing.  I  was  too  weak  and  tired 
to  attend  to  all  the  details ;  but  the  officers  and  men  were  not  dis- 
posed to  slight  matters,  and  before  night  we  had  stowed  our  wood 
and  water,  and  received  on  board  such  provisions  as  we  needed, 
and  when  the  day  arrived  for  our  departure,  the  passengers 
were  on  board,  and  eager  for  a  start.  The  shore  was  crowded 
with  natives  and  friends  of  those  on  board.  A  hundred  boats 
plie  1  around  us,  filled  with  laughing,  white-teethed  kanakas,  who, 
as  they  ventured  near  us,  were  pelted  with  oranges  from  the 
quarter-deck ;  and  yells  of  laughter  were  heard,  as  the  rich  fruit 
struck  and  burst,  as  it  came  in  contact  with  some  poor  fellow's 
head.  During  this  time  I  was  in  the  cabin  conversing  with  my 
partner,  who  seemed  unwilling  to  release  my  hand  from  his  close 
clasp.  I  never  saw  him  so  much  affected,  not  even  on  the  night 
we  rescued  him  from  the  burning  ship. 

"  It  is  not  too  late,  Charles,  to  give  up  this  trip,"  he  said. 
4t  In  a  few  minutes  I  can  find  some  one  to  take  charge  of  the 
\7essel.  It  is  not  necessary  for  you  to  go.  You  have  enough 
wealth  to  satisfy  your  ambition,  and  what  you  lack  I  can  make 
up.  Consider  well.  I  love  you  as  a  son,  and  hoped  that  you 
would  be  one  some  day  ;  but  I  dare  not  interfere  in  your  behalf. 
Neither  do  you  wish  me  to.  You  must  win  Julia  without  my  aid." 

"  Of  course,"  I  replied  ;  "  I  want  no  one's  aid.  But  by  even 
remaining  here,  what  do  I  gain?  Is  there  any  hope  of  winning 
Julia?" 

"  Not  at  present." 

u  Then  why  should  I  stay?  Absence  is  better  than  home, 
especially  with  the  consciousness  of  knowing  that  Julia  despises 
the  weakness  which  I  have  manifested.  We  must  part.  I  see 
no  hope  of  happiness  here." 

Mr.  Cherington  made  no  further  effort  to  detain  me. 

"  Go,"  he  said ;  "  and  may  you  return,  and  then  prosper  in 
your  suit." 

We  shook  hands  and  parted,  he  to  return  to  the  shore,  and  I 
to  sail  towards  that  laud  where  thousands  met  fortune,  or  disap- 
pointment, penury,  and  death.  As  we  left  the  basin  I  looked 
towards  the  house,  where  I  had  passed  so  many  happy  hours. 
Not  a  window  was  open,  not  a  face  was  to  be  seen.  No  one 
waved  a  handkerchief  as  a  token  of  remembrance,  and  in  bitter- 
ness of  heart  I  contrasted  my  departure  with  the  previous  ones, 


842  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

when  I  possessed  Julia's  love  and  esteem.  Onward  we  sailed, 
and  the  fair  island  which  contained  one  so  dear  to  me  was  lost 
to  view  ;  and  then  I  truly  felt  that  my  voyage  of  life  had  really  be- 
gun, and  for  the  first  time,  for  many  months,  it  seemed  as  though 
I  was  alone,  with  no  one  to  love  or  confide  in  me.  Unconscious- 
ly I  uttered  the  last  words  aloud,  and  as  I  did  so  I  felt  a  hand 
laid  upon  my  shoulder. 

"  I  remain  to  love  you,  and  confide  in  you,"  said  a  soft  voice ; 
and  turning,  I  saw  Lilly  standing  by  my  side,  her  eyes  fixed  upon 
the  blue  line  on  the  edge  of  the  water,  many  miles  distant,  which 
betokened  the  land  we  had  left.  "  Let  Lilly  share  your  confi- 
dence and  your  love,"  she  said.  "  Once  she  did  ;  but  something 
stepped  between  her  and  the  light  of  your  eyes,  and  then  a  shadow 
passed  over  her  soul,  for  you  no  longer  smiled  upon  her.  Let 
me  feel  your  hand." 

I  gave  it  to  her,  and  she  took  it  in  her  own. 

"  Once  it  was  calm,  and  the  pulse  beat  firm.  Lately  you 
have  been  feverish  and  fretful,  and  your  flesh  burns  like  fire. 
You  are  not  as  happy  now  as  you  were  when  you  swam  with  me 
at  Kammaira.  Are  you  ?  " 

"  Not  quite,  Lilly  ;  but  I  trust  that  I  shall  be,  in  time." 

"  And  what  has  made  you  feverish  and  unhappy?  Will  you 
not  confide  in  me  ?  " 

"  I  have  had  some  trouble,  Lilly  ;  but  I  cannot  tell  you  all." 

She  did  not  press  me  further.  How  could  I  tell  her  that  it  was 
owing  to  the  love  which  I  bore  another?  No,  thank  God,  I  did 
not  have  a  heart  so  cruel  as  all  that.  If  she  knew  nothing  of 
Julia  and  my  engagement,  I  did  not  feel  disposed  to  enlighten  her. 
Once  more  the  girl  laid  her  hand  upon,  my  arm,  in  such  a  timid 
manner  that  I  knew  she  expected  me  to  shake  it  off;  but  I  did  not. 

u  I  did  not  visit  my  father  while  we  were  at  Honolulu,"  she 
said.  "  I  should  have  done  so,  but  I  had  not  the  courage  to  leave 
you,  even  for  a  day." 

I  made  an  impatient  movement,  and  she  continued. 

"  I  shall  never  see  him  again.  I  know  that  I  shall  not,  for 
three  different  times  have  I  dreamed  of  the  Malo,  and  our  people 
say  that  it  is  a  sign  of  death.  If  I  should  die,  let  me  exp:re  in 
your  arms  ;  and  then  I  know  I  shall  pass  to  the  other  world,  or  to 
some  pleasant  islands  where  the  sun  ever  shines,  and  the  fruits 
are  always  ripe,  and  the  clear  streams  cool  and  fresh.  Perhaps 


A    LITTLE    PLAIN   TALK.  343 

I  shall  go  to  your  heaven,  and  if  I  do  I  will  be  your  servant,  and 
wait  upon  you,  and  gather  flovvers  for  your  house,  and  I  will 
select  the  ripest  fruits  for  your  table,  and  when  you  sleep  I  will 
fan  you  with  feathers  plucked  from  birds  of  bright  plumage. 
When  you  walk  I  will  be  by  your  side,  and  hold  back  the  branches 
of  trees,  if  they  impede  your  path.  At  night,  while  you  smoke 
your  pipe,  I  will  siug  to  you,  and  place  roses  near  your  head, 
and  cover  you  with  soft  cloths,  and  be  near  to  hand  you  cool 
water,  if  you  should  desire  drink.  I  will  be  your  slave,  and  for 
all  this  I  shall  only  ask  a  smile." 

"  Don't  talk  of  death,  Lilly,"  I  said.  "  You  have  many  years 
of  happiness  before  you.  Some  day  you  will  marry  —  and  —  " 

"  Will  you  marry  me?  "  she  asked,  eagerly. 

It  was  the  first  time  she  had  ever  put  such  a  question,  and  I 
think  that  it  startled  me.  For  a  few  moments  I  paused  to  think 
what  answer  I  should  return.  She  knew  not  the  difference  in 
our  position,  and  could  I  expect  to  make  her  comprehend  it? 

u  You  do  not  answer  me.  You  would  despise  me  as  a  wife  ;  " 
and  the  kanaka  girl  withdrew  her  hand  from  my  arm,  and  I  saw 
more  sadness  upon  her  brow. 

"  Listen  to  me,  Lilly,"  I  said.  "  I  have  wealthy  and  proud 
parents.  They  would  not  think  you  were  a  proper  wife  for 
their  son ;  and  if  I  should  marry  you,  they  would  be  very  angry, 
and  refuse  to  receive  me  in  their  house.  You  would  not  have 
me  disowned  by  my  father  and  mother  —  would  you?" 

"  No,  I  will  do  nothing  that  would  give  them  pain ;  but 
when  you  landed  at  Kammaira,  pursued  by  your  enemies,  hungry, 
and  without  a  place  to  rest  your  head,  I  did  not  stop  to  ask  if  you 
had  a  father  or  mother.  I  made  no  inquiries  regarding  their 
wealth  or  position.  I  saw  that  you  were  in  want,  and  my  father, 
a  chief  among  his  people,  the  first  in  their  estimation,  did  not 
stop  to  ask  if  you  were  any  better  than  your  companions.  He 
listened  to  me,  and  received  you  in  his  house,  and  gave  you  food 
and  shelter ;  he  protected  you,  and  there  was  no  one  to  raise  his 
hand  against  you.  You  remember  this  —  do  you  not?" 

"  Yes,"  I  answered  ;  for  I  could  not  deny  a  single  word  that  she 
had  uttered. 

u  Well,  if  such  is  the  case,  why  should  your  parents  treat  me 
in  a  different  manner,  provided  I  visited  your  country?" 

I  attempt^  to  explain  the  difference  of  society  in  Boston  and 


344  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

the  Sandwich  Islands ;  but  the  poor  girl  could  not  understand  ray 
meaning,  and  she  shook  her  head  as  she  puzzled  over  it. 

"  If  I  had  asked  you  to  marry  me,  when  living  at  Kammaira, 
would  you  have  consented?"  Lilly  inquired.  "  You  told  me 
then  that  you  loved  me  better  than  life,  and  I  loved  you,  and 
was  happy,  and  thought  not  of  the  future.  Would  that  we  had 
always  remained  at  my  home,  for  now,  alas  !  I  shall  see  it  no 
more/' 

The  topic  which  she  was  anxious  to  discuss  was  disagreeable, 
and  I  was  only  too  willing  to  avoid  it.  I  was  not  sorry,  there- 
fore, when  the  girl  turned  from  me  and  entered  the  cabin,  with  a 
sad  face  and  tearful  eyes. 

The  schooner  struggled  through  the  water,  .sometimes  pound- 
ing the  .waves  with  her  bluff  bows,  as. though  she  was  a  driver, 
and  had  a  certain  amount  of  piles  to  drive  before  night. 
Again  she  rolled  like  a  drunken  sailor  on  shore,  and  some- 
times moved  along  like  a  dainty  lady,  as  though  picking 
her  course  on  a  crowded  sidewalk.  One  by  one  the  passengers 
retired  to  their  berths,  some  to  dream  of  Fortune's  favors,  and 
others  to  think  of  home,  and  the  friends  they  had  left  behind 
them.  The  watch  paced  the  deck,  smoking  and  laughing,  and 
some  of  them  spinning  long  yarns  of  the  fun  which  they  had  ex- 
perienced at  Honolulu.  Perhaps  the  stories  which  they  told 
were  a  little  colored,  and  hardly  worth  repeating ;  'but  sometimes 
I  could  not  help  smiling  as  I  caught  a  word  or  two.  Up  aud 
down  the  deck  I  paced  until  four  bells,  and  then  retired  for  the 
night ;  and  just  as  the  morning  watch  commenced  preparations 
for  washing  down  the  deck,  I  heard  some  one  shout  the  welcome 
cry  of,  — 

"  Sail,  ho  !  " 

It  was  not  an  unusual  cry,  but  from  the  stir  I  heard  on  deck, 
I  thought  that  the  stranger  must  be  something  extraordinary  ;  so 
I  put  on  my  clothes,  and  went  up  to  take  a  look  at  him. 

"  There's  the  devil,  sir,"  cried  Jack,  pointing  to  the  leeward  ; 
and  looking  in  the  direction  indicated,  I  saw  the  old  whale-ship 
Sally,  Captain  Bunker,  about  three  miles  off,  under  easy  sail,  and 
heading  in  the  same  direction  as  the  Helen. 

"  Put  your  helm  up,"  I  said  to  the  man  at  the  wheel.  u  We 
will  edge  off,  and  speak  that  fellow." 


THE    OLD    SALLY   AGAIN.  345 

Mr.  Topmall  exhibited  signs  of  tribulation  immediately,  but 
said  nothing. 

We  ranged  along  off  his  weather  quarter,  and  then  Bunker, 
with  his  red  hair  and  eyes,  hailed  us. 

"  Ain't  that  the  Helen?"  he  asked. 

"  Yes  ;  how  are  you  ?  " 

"  Well,  I'm  so-so.     Seen  any  whales  lately?" 

"  Not  a  whale." 

"  Whar  do  you  come  from?" 

"  Just  from  Hilo.  Come  on  board  and  see  me.  I've  got  some 
of  the  best  whiskey  on  the  Pacific  coast." 

"  You  ain't  heard  from  Honolulu,  then  ?  "  cried  the  whaler,  a 
little  suspiciously. 

"  No  ;  have  you?" 

"  Not  much.  I'll  come  and  see  you,  and  get  some  breakfast. 
Clear  away  my  boat ; "  and  while  his  men  were  obeying  his 
orders,  I  called  Jake  to  me. 

u  Our  old  friend,"  I  said,  "  is  coming  to  see  us.  I  owe  him 
a  grudge,  and  want  to  pay  him." 

"  Blast  'em,  so  do  I,"  was  the  man's  reply. 

"  Well,  listen  to  me,  and  make  no  mistake.  'You  have  two 
coffee-pots  —  have  you  not  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Well,  in  one  you  must  have  good  coffee  for  the  passengers 
and  me  to  drink,  and  in  the  other  coffee  which  has  been  doc- 
tored:1 

"  Golly,  cap'n  ;  you  ain't  goin'  to  pizen  'em  —  is  you  ?  " 

"  No,  but  I  intend  to  disturb  him  a  little.  Come  with  me,  and 
keep  your  eyes  open." 

He  followed  me  to  the  cabin.  I  took  from  the  medicine  chest 
>a,  strong  emetic,  and  told  the  darky  to  mix  it  with  the  coffee, 
and  to  give  it  to  Bunker  while  breakfasting.  The  negro  compre- 
hended my  intentions  in  a  moment,  and  a  broad  grin  spread  over 
his  face. 

"  Golly,  cap'n,  dat  gib  'em  fits  for  sure.  Make  dis  nigger 
laugh." 

He  went  forward  with  the  emetic,  and  by  the  time  he  had 
reached  the  galley  Bunker  was  alongside.  The  treacherous  rascal 
jumped  on  deck,  and  came  aft  with  a  smile  upon  his  face. 

"  Devilish  glad  to  see  you,"  he  said,  V  I  haven't  forgot  the 
turn  vou  did  me  at  the  Lad  rones,"' 


34g  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

Ju.it  at  that  moment  the  steward  passed  into  the  cabin  with 
breakfast.  Bunker  needed  no  urging  to  join  me.  He  thought 
I  was  not  aware  of  his  treacherous  course  and  became  con- 
fident and  overbearing.  He  talked  of  whales,  and  the  Sally ; 
of  my  running  away,  &c.,  until  at  last  Jake  placed  a  cup  of 
coffee  before  him. 

"  This  is  devilish  good,"  Bunker  said,  sipping  it,  and  looking 
satisfied.  "  I  like  good  coffee.  I  remember  I  once  commanded 
a  ship  called  the  Spouter,  of  New  London.  We  were  cruising  for 
sperm  whale  near  Japan,  and  one  day  the  steward  told  me  that 
we  had  run  short  of  coffee.  I  didn't  know  what  to  do,  but  at  last 
concluded  to' go  on  shore,  and  see  if  I  could  not  buy  some  of  the 
Japs." 

"Do  they  raise  coffee?"  asked  a  passenger,  who  was  eating 
his  breakfast,  and  evidently  much  amused  at  the  master's  yarns. 

u  Oceans  of  it,"  was  the  reply,  u  and  I  determined  to  have 
some.  I  ran  in  close  to  the  land,  and  went  on  shore  with  a  boat's 
crew.  The  Japs  came  down  to  the  beach,  and  motioned  me 
to  clear  out,  but  I  made  up  faces  at  'em.  They  stood  their 
ground,  and  swore  that  I  should  have  nothing,  and  I  swore,  that 
I  would." 

Bunker  drank  half  a  cup  of  coffee,  and  then  continued  :  — 

"  When  they  said  I  shouldn't  have  what  I  wanted,  I  just  took 
up  a  lance  and  pinted  it  at  'em,  and  by  the  Lord  Harry  if  they 
didn't  take  to  their  heels  then  I'm  a  beggar." 

"  Fill  the  captain's  cup,"  I  said  to  the  grinning  Jake. 

"  Go  on  with  the  yarn,"  cried  the  passengers. 
'  *'  Well,  I  will.  I  followed  'em  to  the  village,  driving  'em  be- 
fore me,  and  when  I  reached  it,  the  old  men  came  forward,  and 
said  I  should  have  all  that  I  wanted  if  I  would  spare  'em.  I 
promised  ;  so  they  loaded  my  boat  with  coffee  and  fresh  truck, 
and  off  I  went,  and  didn't  have  to  pay  a  cent.  That's  what  I 
call  —  " 

He  paused  a  moment,  and  placed  his  hand  upon  his  stomach, 
while  his  face  grew  several  shades  lighter.  The  emetic  was 
working  slowly  but  surely. 

"  How  many  died  with  the  cholera  while  we  were  at  Hilo?" 
I  asked  a  passenger,  who  knew  that  there  was  some  mischief 
brewing,  and  answered,  — 

"About  three  hundred,  I  think." 


A   TERRIBLE    SCARE.  347 

"  And  how  is  that  fellow  this  morning?     Will  he  live?" 

"  O,  he  died  half  au  hour  ago,  and  the  other  one  will  go  before 

QOOU." 

Bunker  began  to  stare.     His  color  changed  rapidly. 

"  What  in  the  devil's  name  do  you  mean?  "  he  gasped. 

"  O,  nothing,  excepting  the  cholera.  We  have  it  on  board. 
It  was  bad  at  Hilo,  but  we  are  not  much  alarmed.  We've  kinder 
got  accustomed  to  it.  Only  three  or  four  of  our  kanakas  have 
died,  and  some  half  a  dozen  are  sick." 

"  Another  is  down  since  breakfast,"  remarked  a  passenger, 
whose  name  was  Brick,  —  rather  suggestive  of  his  nature. 

"  Is  he  bad?  "  I  asked,  gravely. 

"  Rather  —  stomach  all  knotted,  and  feet  cold.    Vomits  freely." 

Bunker  started  up  from  the  table  with  symptoms  of  alarm. 
His  face  was  pale,  and  perspiration  was  standing  on  his  brow. 

"•What  in  the  devil's  name  do  you  mean  by  asking  me  to 
come  on  board  ?  "  he  yelled. 

"  Why,  to  eat  some  breakfast,  of  course." 

"  Breakfast !  "  shrieked  the  victim  ;  u  cuss  your  breakfast ! 
I've  caught  the  cholera.  I'm  sick.  Give  me  something." 

"  Take  some  more  coffee,"  suggested  Brick,  who  had  been  let 
into  the  secret. 

"  Is  that  good  for  me  ?  "  howled  Bunker. 

.  "  Nothing  better.     I've  known  it  to  cure  a  man,  after  he  was 
in  the  last  stages." 

"  Let  me  have  some,  then.    Quick,  you  nigger,  or  I  shall  bust." 

Jake  poured  out  a  cup  of  coffee,  and  the  whaler  seized  on  it, 
and  threw  back  his  head.  It  disappeared  in  an  instant,  and  as 
soon  re-appeared ;  for  the  emetic  commenced  its  work  in  the  most 
powerful  style. 

"  O  God,  I'm  dying !  "  yelled  Bunker.  "  My  inards  is  all 
torn  to  pieces.  Can't  you  give  me  something?  A  little  brandy 
would  be  better  than  nothing.  Do  you  think  I  shall  die?  " 

"  I  think  that  brandy  would  save  him,"  remarked  Brick,  in  a 
low  tone. 

"  Then  let  me  have  some.     I  need  it.     I  shall  die  without  it." 

"  Can't  spare  it.  Must  keep  it  for  our  own  men,"  was  my 
cool  reply. 

"  O,  do  give  me  a  little.  If  you  knew  how  I  felt !  "  and  a  fresh 
spell  of  vomiting  stopped  his  utterance. 


348  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  On  one  condition  you  shall  have  the  brandy,"  I  said. 

"  Name  it,  and  be  quick  ;  for  I'm  growing  cold." 

"  You  must  sign  a  confession  of  your  doings  at  the  Ladrones, 
and  entirely  repudiate  the  falsehoods  which  you  related  to  Miss 
Cherington.  Will  you  do  it?  " 

"  I  don't  know.    Do  you  think  I  shall  die  at  the  present  time?" 

"  It  appears  as  though  you  "were  sick,  quite  sick.  If  you  think 
you  will  recover,  don't  sign  any  statement  I  shall  draw  up." 

A  fresh  spell  at  vomiting  decided  the  man.  He  wanted  the 
brandy  at  all  odds. 

"  I  did  tell  some  tough  yarns  about  you,"  he  moaned,  "  but  it 
was  some  of  my  fun  ;  I  didn't  mean  anything.  You  know  I 
didn't." 

"  I  know  that  you  injured  me,  you  rascal ;  and  I  have  a  good 
mind  to  let  you  suffer  or  die  without  the  least  help.  But  I  will 
assist  you,  and  save  your  life,  if  you  will  sign  a  paper,  in  which 
shall  be  stated  the  lies  you  told  concerning  me." 

"  I'll  do  it ;  bring  the  brandy  along." 

I  told  Brick  to  administer  it  at  the  rate  of  a  spoonful  every  five 
minutes,  while  I  went  to  my  state-room,  and  drew  up  a  state- 
ment, which  was  strictly  correct,  respecting  my  conduct  and  that 
of  Bunker's  at  the  Ladrones.  This  I  read  to  him ;  and  to  my 
surprise,  he  said  that  he  would  sign  it  immediately,  and  without 
modification.  • 

"  I  did  act  a  mean  part  towards  you,  and  no  mistake,"  he  said, 
all  his  pride  having  left  him ;  "  and  if  I  live  I'll  do  the  right 
thing.  Botheration,  how  it  gripes  me  !  More  brandy." 

We  gave  him  a  dose,  and  then  he  signed  the  statement,  and 
half  a  dozen  of  my  passengers  witnessed  it.  As  soon  as  that  was 
done.  Brick  poured  out  half  a  tumbler  of  liquor,  and  the  master 
swallowed  it  without  hesitation. 

"  That's  all  you'll  get,  old  fellow,"  said  Brick.  u  We  want 
the  rest  for  our  punches.  You  won't  die  this  time." 

"  You  think  there's  hope  for  me?  "  timidly  inquired  Bunker. 

"  Hope  ;  of  course  there  is.  Who  ever  heard  of  a  man's  dy- 
ing after  taking  an  emetic." 

"After  taking  what?"  cried  Bunker,  raising  his  head,  and 
looking  a  little  wild. 

"  An  emetic,"  Brick  repeated. 

"  Have  I  taken  one  ?  "  yelled  Bunker, 


AT    SAN    FRANCISCO.  349 

u  I  should  think  you  had,  from  the  evidence." 

"  Ain't  I  got  the  cholera?" 

"  Not  that  we  know  of,  unless  you  brought  it  on  board.  We 
haven't  seen  anything  of  the  disease." 

Bunker  sat  up,  and  looked  first  at  Brick,  and  then  at  me,  in 
amazement  and  disgust.  He  felt  better  immediately. 

"  What's  the  meaning  of  all  this  ?  "  he  asked. 

"  It  means  that  we  have  punished  you  for  telling  such  rascally 
lies  respecting  me.  Let  it  be  a  lesson  which  you  will  remember 
for  the  rest  of  your  life.  You  have  injured  me  in  the  estimation 
of  a  young  lady,  and  I  have  retaliated.  Now  you  can  leave  the 
vessel  as  soon  as  you  please.  I  have  done  with  you." 

"  Cuss  your  eyes  !  "  the  whaler  muttered  ;  "  if  I  ever  have  a 
chance  I'll  make  you  pay  for  this ;  you  see  if  I  don't." 

He  left  the  cabin,  but  as  he  reached  the  deck,  gave  evi- 
dence that  the  emetic  was  still  working,  and  with  curses  and 
groans  entered  his  boat,  and  was  pulled  to  the  ship.  We 
crowded  sail,  and  continued  our  course  for  San  Francisco. 
The  whaler  made  no  attempt  to  overtake  us,  and  by  night 
was  out  of  sight.  We  had  twenty  days'  passage  to  San  Fran- 
cisco, reaching  there  in  the  month  of  September.  In  a  few  hours 
after  the  anchor  was  dropped,  my  passengers  left  me,  bag  and 
baggage.  They  were  fearful  that  they  should  lose  even  a  day. 
They  were  fierce  for  gold,  and  gold  only  would  satisfy  their  desires. 
I  was  not  sorry  to  have  the  vessel  free  of  a  crowd,  and  saw  them 
go  without  regret.  As  soon  as  they  had  left,  I  went  on  shore  to 
pay  my  respects  to  my  friends.  The  first  place  which  I  stopped 
at  was  the  Connecticut  House. 

"  Is  Captain  Myers  in?"  I  asked  of  the  bar-keeper. 

"  Don't  keejp  here  now,"  was  the  curt  answer. 

"What  is  he  doing?" 

"  Has  a  store  somewhere  on  Montgomery  Street.  Sold  this 
place  a  month  ago." 

I  left  the  hotel,  and  went  in  search  of  Hatch.  He,  too,  had 
moved,  and  it  was  some  time  before  I  could  discover  his  location. 
I  found  him  at  last,  doing  a  large  business.  He  was  eager  to  hear 
from  Honolulu,  and  had  a  thousand  questions  to  ask  me  respect- 
ing people  he  was  acquainted  with. 

"  Why  did  Myers  sell?  "  I  asked. 

"  Eecanse  he  had  a  good  offer,  and  his  wife  urged  him  to  leave 


350 

hotel-keeping,  gambling,  and  kindred  vices.  She  is  the  leader 
of  the  fashions  here,  and  is  making  him  quite  a  good  wife.  I  see 
them  occasionally ;  but  the  captain  is  rather  shy  about  inviting 
me  to  his  house.  He  remembers  that  his  wife  had  a  partiality 
for  me." 

"  Has  Myers  gone  into  any  business? " 

"  Of  course  he  has,  and  is  doing  well.  He  has  quit  selling  lots 
of  land,  for  the  business  grew  dangerous.  He  stopped  just  in 
time.  He  has  bought  a  new  house  out  towards  the  Mission,  and 
gives  some  good  dinners  ;  so  I  have  been  told." 

I  left  Hatch  and  went  in  search  of  Myers,  and  was  lucky 
enough  to  find  him.  The  whaler  was  glad  to  see  me,  and  in- 
sisted upon  my  going  home  with  him,  and  chatting  with  Dorothea. 

"  Ah,  my  boy,  what  a  treasure  that  woman  is  !  "  cried  the  cap- 
tain, as  we  left  the  store  for  his  house.  "  She  is  just  the  thing 
for  this  market.  I  can  go  away  and  leave  her,  and  be  certain  of 
finding  her  when  I  return.  No  man  dares  make  love  to  her  in  niy 
absence.  She  is  trumps,  and  no  mistake.  She  leads  the  fash- 
ions in  San  Francisco.  But  you  shall  judge  of  her  merits." 

We  reached  the  house  after  a  quarter  of  an  hour's  walk.  As 
soon  as  the  front  door  was  opened  I  heard  a  rustling  of  silk,  and 
then  saw  a  pair  of  very  thin  and  dark  arms^  thrown  around  the 
whaler's  neck,  and  a  large  mouth  pressed  towards  his  lips ;  but 
the  kiss  only  reached  the  jolly  red  nose  of  the  captain.  He  re- 
ceived it  as  a  matter  of  course,  and  after  giving  her  one  hug, 
said, — 

"  My  little  dovey,  don't  you  see  that  I  have  brought  home  a 
friend?" 

Dorothea  withdrew  her  arms,  and  looked  at  me  in  silence.  I 
thought  that  she  intended  to  upbraid  me  for  my  presence,  but 
I  was  disappointed,  for  she  suddenly  opened  her  arms,  and  came 
towards  me,  shouting,  — 

"  O  !  to  you  I  am  indebted  for  this." 

I  dodged,  but  was  not  quick  enough.  She  managed  to  get  one 
arm  around  my  neck,  and  held  me  fast.  I  struggled,  but  it  was 
useless.  She  pressed  me  cldser  and  closer,  and  at  last  showered 
down  kisses  upon  my  nose  and  mouth. 

"  Go  in  and  win,  old  lady,"  cried  the  delighted  whaler.  "  He's 
the  author  of  our  happiness  ;  you  can't  do  too  much  for  him." 

At  length  she  became  exhausted,  and  stopped  her  caresses 


DOROTHEA    AS   A   WIFE.  351 

"  To  think  how  much  we  owe  him  !  "  she  murmured,  looking  at 
ine  and  throwing  her  arms  around  the  neck  of  the  whaler. 

"  Yes,  I  know  we  do,"  he  answered ;  "  but  he  don't  like  your 
kisses  as  well  as  I." 

I  confessed  as  much,  and  then  we  entered  the  parlor  and  I  found 
that  it  was  well  furnished,  some  of  the  articles  being  quite  ex- 
pensive. But  the  dress  which  the  lady  wore  was  not  in  good 
taste.  She  had  on  a  heavy  silk,  flounced  to  her  waist,  low- 
necked,  bare-armed,  and  short  enough  to  show  her  ankles,  which 
I  am  sorry  to  state  were  none  too  thin  for  symmetry.  She  was 
weighed  down  with  jewelry,  having  an  immense  gold  chain  on 
her  neck,  made  from  native  ore.  Attached  to  the  chain  was  a 
gold  watch  of  large  dimensions,  and  it  protruded  from  her  waist 
belt  like  an  over-grown  wart.  On  each  arm  she  had  two  brace- 
lets, one  of  them  being  studded  with  diamonds,  and  the  other 
dotted  with  specimens  of  California  gold.  Each  of  them  weighed 
about  four  ounces.  On  her  fingers  were  rings  of  great  value, 
diamonds  and  pearls,  emeralds  and  amethysts.  My  attention 
gratified  Myers  immensely.  He  rubbed  his  hands  and  laughed. 

"  What  do  you  think  of  her  ?  "  he  asked.  "  Isn't  that  the  way 
to  dress  a  wife?  Look  at  her.  Note  her  jewelry.  Has  she  got 
enough  ?  I  can  buy  her  more." 

"  She  might  find  room  for  a  breastpin,"  I  remarked. 

"  I  never  thought  of  that.  I'll  have  one  as  large  as  my  hand 
made  for  her,  and  it  shall  be  of  solid  gold,  too." 

"  What  do  you  suppose  Constance  would  say  to  see  me  now?" 
asked  Dorothea,  with  a  look  of  pride  at  her  jewels.  "  Some  day 
we  intend  to  visit  the  Ladrones,  and  then  I  shall  show  her  that 
I  have  forgiven  past  offences." 

We  had  tea,  and  then  they  pressed  me  so  hard  to  remain  all 
night  that  I  consented. 


352  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  XXL 

TIP   THE    SACRAMENTO. OFF    FOR    THE    MINES. THE   HEAT     Ofl 

THE   PRAIRIES. AN   ATTACK. JOQUIN   THE   ROBBER. 

WE  remained  at  anchor  for  a  few  days,  until  I  had  an  offer  to 
take  a  load  of  freight  up  the  Sacramento,  to  the  city  of  that 
name.  As  the  terms  were  liberal,  I  accepted  them,  and  com- 
menced loading,  which  was  completed  in  forty-eight  hours.  I 
secured  the  services  of  a  good  pilot,  and  one  forenoon  we  left 
San  Francisco,  and  arrived  at  Sacramento  in  good  time.  Here  I 
received  a  very  liberal  offer  for  the  schooner,  —  ten  thousand  dol- 
lars, —  and  disposed  of  her  at  that  price. 

The  next  day  we  discharged  a  portion  of  our  freight,  and  the 
following  day  landed  it  all  on  the  levee.  As  yet  we  had  no  idea 
where  we  should  go,  and  thought  that  it  was  time  that  that  im- 
portant point  should  be  settled ;  so  one  evening  I  wandered  to- 
wards the  gambling  tents,  where  all  the  gossip  was  related  and 
the'. news  circulated,  and  mingled  with  the  crowd,  asking  ques- 
tions and  listening  to  answers. 

After  some  talk,  I  determined  to  attempt  mining  on  the  Yuba, 
calculating  that  if  the  location  did  not  suit  I  could  change  to  some 
other  quarter  with  but  little  trouble,  while  the  money  which 
I  had  received  for  freight  and  by  sale  of  the  vessel,  I  invested 
in  house  lots,  buying  from  the  city  authorities. 

At  four  o'clock  one  morning,  we  left  Sacramento  City  for  Ba- 
ker's Bar,  on  the  Yuba.  I  hired  a  team  drawn  by  eight  mules, 
to  take  our  freight,  at  the  rate  of  ten  cents  per  pound,  and  I 
also  purchased  horses  and  saddles  for  the  use  of  Lilly  and  my- 
self. 

We  left  the  city  before  many  of  its  inhabitants  were  stirring. 
Our  party  consisted  of  seven  persons,  Lilly  and  myself,  Jack, 
Will,  Jake,  Bushy,  and  two  kanakas,  the  cook  being  one  of  them. 
The  others  liad  expressed  a  preference  for  remaining  by  the  ves- 
sel, and  I  was  willing  that  they  should.  They  preferred  a  cer- 
tainty to  an  uncertainty.  We  were  all  in  good  spirits  as  we 


ON   THE   PRAIRIES.  353 

wound  our  way  among  the  tents  and  shanties,  the  driver  and 
owner  of  the  team  cracking  his  whip,  and  yelling  to  his  mules 
if  they  did  not  draw  fair  and  square.  At  last  we  left  the  city 
behind  us,  and  entered  upon  the  prairie,  the  road  leading  past  Sut- 
ter's  Fort.  Soon  after  passing  the  fort  we  forded  the  American 
River,  where  we  stopped  for  a  moment  to  drink  of  its  cool  waters, 
and  bathe  our  faces  and  feet,  which  already  began  to  show  signs 
of  travel. 

By  this  time  it  was  seven  o'clock,  and  the  sun  commenced  illus- 
trating its  power  by  drying  up  the  dew  and  causing  the  prairies 
to  steam  like  a  boiling  kettle  of  water.  The  teamster,  a  man 
named  Hardcase,  an  Oregonian,  dipped  his  head  into  the  steam, 
and  then,  while  the  water  was  gently  trickling  down  neck  and 
back,  spoke  as  follows  :  — 

"  Stranger,  it's  goin'  to  be  all  fired  hot  to-day,  and  no  mistake. 
These  prairies  will  bile  by  and  by,  and  a  man  might  as  well  set 
his  foot  on  a  hot  brick  as  to  touch  'em.  I  tell  you  it's  so,  'cos  I 
know  'em.  I  left  old  Illinois  two  years  ago,  and  made  a  jaunt 
over  land,  and  perhaps  we  didn't  catch  it  at  times.  Wai,  we  did  ; 
now  that's  a  fact.  But  that  ain't  here  nor  thar.  The  question 
is,  shall  I  push  on,  or  will  you  camp  till  near  sunset  and  then 
start,  travel  in  the  cool  of  the  night,  and  come  out  as  lively  as  a 
lark  in  the  morning?  " 

"Which  do  you  think  best?"  I  asked. 

'•  Wai,  'taiu't  for  me  to  say.  I'm  here  to  get  you  at  the  mines, 
and  I'm  going  to  do  it ;  but  I  don't  want  to  near  kill  you.  Arter 
we  leaves  this  river  we  don't  strike  water  till  we  touches  Bear 
Creek,  about  thirty  miles  from  here,  over  a  prairie  that  ain't  got 
a  bush  as  big  as  a  bull-calf,  nor  a  tree  as  large  as  a  mule's  hind 
leg.  But  you  can  take  your  choice ;  I'll  risk  the  mules,  but  I 
won't  risk  the  company." 

I  concluded  to  wait,  and  said  so,  for  the  heat  was  pouring  down 
most  unmercifully.  In  about  half  an  hour  we  reached  a  grove 
of  trees  which  completely  sheltered  us  from  the  sun,  while  we 
were  so  near  the  river,  —  having  followed  its  course,  —  that  we 
•were  enabled  to  obtain  all  the  water  we  desired. 

We  had  breakfast,  and  then  slept,  and  passed  the  day  in  the 
best  manner  possible.  Towards  night,  after  another  hearty  meal, 
• —  it  is  singular  how  much  a  man  can  eat  in  California,  —  we  col- 
lected our  animals,  gave  them  as  much  water  as  they  could  drink, 
23 


354  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

and  just  at  sundown  we  started  to  cross  a  thirty-mile  prairie, 
the  soil  of  whijh  was  like  heated  bricks.  But  no  sooner  had  the 
sun  disappeared  than  a  heavy  dew  commenced  falling,  which 
cooled  the  air  and  the  ground,  and  enabled  us  to  travel  in  a  com- 
fortable manner. 

Lilly  endured  the  fatigues  of  the  journey  much  better  than  I 
anticipated.  When  she  was  tired  of  riding  horseback  she  would 
walk  until  once  more  glad  to  seek  the  saddle.  In  this  way  we 
reached  Bear  River  just  at  daylight,  tired,  thirsty,  and  hungry. 
But  after  a  wash  in  the  cool  waters  of  that  little  stream  we  were 
much  refreshed,  and  enabled  to  do  full  justice  to  the  excellent 
breakfast  which  Jake  prepared  for  us. 

We  slept  through  the  day,  and  at  night  started  as  usual ;  but 
we  had  not  proceeded  two  miles  before  we  heard  the  sound  of 
horses*  feet  advancing  towards  us,  and  almost  before  we  had  time 
to  think,  two  men  checked  their  animals  and  hailed  :  — 

"  Hullo,  whom  have  we  here?" 

"  Hullo  yerself,  and  see  how  you  like  it,"  responded  Hardcase. 

"  Who  are  you  ?  "  asked  the  horsemen. 

"  Honest  men." 

"  It  is  easy  enough  to  say  that,"  was  the  sneering  answer. 

"  And  easy  enough  to  maintain  it ;  so  stand  out  of  the  way,  and 
let  us  pass." 

"  Patience,  my  friend,"  was  the  answer.  "  We  mean  no 
harm." 

"  Well,  what  do  you  mean?  " 

"To  inform  you  that  the  Indians  are  in  arms,  and  killing  peo- 
ple on  the  route  between  here  and  the  Yuba." 

Hardcase  gave  a  laugh  of  defiance  and  contempt. 

"  We  isn't  alarmed  at  that,"  he  cried. 

"  But  I  have  other  news,"  said  the  stranger,  advancing  closer, 
as  though  afraid  to  communicate  it  at  a  distance. 

"  Spit  it  out,"  was  the  inelegant  expression  of  Hardcaso. 

"  Joquin  and  his  gang  are  out." 

"Are  you  sure?"  demanded  the  teamster  in  a  tone  of  some 
anxiety. 

"  Quite  sure.  He  robbed  and  murdered  four  miners  yesterday 
morning  near  the  Ten  Mile  Reach,  and  where  he  is  now  the  Lord 
only  knows." 

This  was  important  intelligence,  for  Joquiu  was  the  most  des- 


A   CALIFORNIA   ROBBER.  355 

perate  robber  that  ever  murdered  travellers  in  California.  He 
was  a  Mexican  by  birth,  and  entertained  the  most  profound  hatred 
for  Americans,  and  if  one  fell  into  his  hands  he  rarely  suffered 
him  to  escape.  He  was  noted  for  his  boldness,  cunning,  his  good 
looks,  and  splendid  horsemanship,  and  brave  men  were  cowed 
when  his  name  was  mentioned. 

"  How  comes  it  that  you  travel  alone  at  this  hour  of  the  night 
if  Joquin  is  near  ?  "  asked  Hardcase. 

44  Because  we  wish  to  leave  the  mines,  where  we  are  not  safe, 
and  seek  shelter  in  the  city.  We  have  ridden  hard,  and  think  that 
now  we  are  beyond  danger." 

"  You  can't  tell  about  that,"  was  the  reply  of  the  teamster. 
"  Joquin  has  fresh  horses,  and  rides  like  a  whirlwind.  But  go  on 
and  inform  every  miner  that  you  meet  of  the  danger,  and  all  will 
then  prepare  for  it,  and  perhaps  some  bullet  find  a  way  to  his 
heart." 

44  Good  night,  and  Heaven  protect  you,"  was  the  answer  of  the 
horsemen,  as  they  swept  on  and  soon  crossed  the  river. 

41  Shall  we  push  on?"  asked  the  teamster,  as  he  gathered  up 
the  reins. 

44  Of  course." 

44  That's  my  style,"  wa&  the  answer ;  and  on  we  went. 

44  What  do  you  think?  "  I  asked. 

44  We  must  keep  our  eyes  peeled,  and  look  out  for  squalls.  If 
Joquin  attacks  us  we  must  beat  him  off,  and  if  the  Injuns  come 
we'll  sarve  'em  out  in  a  way  that  will  astonish  'em." 

44  Then  we  had  better  look  to  our  rifles  and  pistols,  I  think." 

44  Yes,  and  see  that  they  are  loaded  carefully.  If  I  can  get  a 
bead  on  Joquin  he  will  never  rob  again." 

I  fell  back  a  little,  and  ordered  the  men  to  take  their  weapons 
from  the  wagon  and  load  them,  and  keep  close  to  me,  and  on  no 
account  to  stray  away,  all  of 'which  they  promised ;  and  then  we 
pushed  on  through  a  thick  wood,  where  it  was  so  dark  that  we 
could  hardly  see  the  road,  and  where  two  resolute  men  could  have 
destroyed  us. 

It  was  about  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  and  we  had  just  reached 
the  edge  of  the  woods  without  meeting  with  any  adventure  worthy 
of  note,  save  the  rustling  of  leaves  and  the  cracking  of  branches, 
denoting  that  some  animal  was  moving  or  had  been  disturbed  by  the 
rumbling  of  the  wagon,  when  we  were  somewhat  surprised  to  hear 


356  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

a  shrill  whistle,  which  seemed  to  come  from  a  dense  thicket  on  our 
left,  and  it  was  answered  on  our  right. 

In  an  instant  Hardcase  struck  his  mules  with  his  long  and  heavy 
whip,  and  they  dashed  along  at  a  rapid  rate  ;  but  just  as  the  lead- 
ing mules  reached  the  open  prairie,  the  report  of  a  rifle  or  revol- 
ver was  heard  on  our  left,  and  a  ball  whizzed  within  a  foot  of  the 
driver's  head. 

He  made  no  reply  to  the  shot,  but  yelled  to  his  mules,  and  the 
next  instant  they  were  on  the  open  ground,  and  the  dark  for- 
est was  behind  us  ;  but  still  we  did  not  stop  until  my  men  were 
out  of  breath  with  running,  and  the  mules  were  covered  with  sweat 
and  foam,  and  unable  to  continue  their  headlong  pace.  Not  until 
then  did  Hardcase  draw  up  and  await  my  coming,  for  I  was  some 
distance  in  the  rear,  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  that  my  men  made 
good  their  escape. 

u  Wai,  cap'n,  what  do  you  think  of  that?"  asked  the  driver, 
as  I  reached  the  wagon. 

"  I  think  that  somebody  was  impertinent,  and  had  designs  upon 
your  life." 

"  Wai,  that's  a  fact,  and  no  mistake.  He  aimed  well,  the  tar- 
nal  skunk ;  but  the  wagon  bounced  over  a  log,  and  took  me  out 
of  the  range.  Blast  their  picturs,  let  'em  come  on  now  if  they 
want  to." 

"  Who  do  you  suppose  is  concealed  in  that  wood?"  I  asked. 

"  Wai,  it's  hard  to  tell ;  but  I  shouldn't  wonder  if  it  was  Jo- 
quin,  and  some  of  his  beauties.  It's  jist  like  him  ;  and  we  ain/t 
seen  the  last  of  him  yet,  I  know.  But  now  to  business,  cap'n. 
We  shan't  escape  in  this  way.  The  gang  that  attacked  us 
want  provisions,  and  they  will  fight  for  them.  They  don't 
dare  visit  the  towns  for  grub,  so  make  forays  on  trains.  Shall 
we  fight  or  run,  and  let  'em  take  what'  they  want  from  the 
wagon  ?  " 

"  Fight,"  shouted  Will,  Jack,  and  Bushy. 

u  What  do  you  say,  cap'n  ?  "  asked  the  driver. 

"  Fight  until  we  are  whipped  or  whip  the  rascals,".!  answered. 

"  That's  the  talk.  Then  I'm  with  you.  Come  on,  and  we'll 
soon  see  what  kind  of  stuff  the  robbers  is  made  of." 

He  had  hardly  finished  speaking  when  from  the  woods  galloped 
half  a  dozen  horsemen  ;  but  instead  of  advancing  towards  us,  they 
kept  close  to  the  trees  on  our  left,  as  though  they  desired  to  gain 


PREPARING    FOR   A   STRUGGLE.  357 

the  road  which  we  would  have  to  pursue  if  we  continued  our 
journey,  and  which  wound  around  the  base  of  some  high  hills 
covered  with  a  growth  of  large  pines,  affording  some  lovely  spots 
for  an  ambush,  where  an  attacking  party  could  pick  us  off  with 
impunity. 

u  Stay  by  the  wagon,  some  of  you,"  shouted  Hardcase.  "  Cap'n, 
you  come  with  me." 

The  speaker,  rifle  in  hand,  ran  towards  one  of  the  hills,  so  as 
to  cut  off  the  robbers  and  drive  them  back  into  the  woods,  and 
leave  us  in  possession  of  the  road.  I  followed  him.  but  he  ran 
so  swiftly  that  I  had  to  put  forth  all  my  speed  to  keep  within 
speaking  distance.  But  we  reached  the  position  we  desired,  and 
before  the  robbers  gained  the  road,  owing  to  the  latter  stopping 
for  some  time  to  make  out  the  movements  and  force  of  those 
around  the  team. 

"  Now,  then,"  cried  Hardcase,  as  he  threw  himself  upon  the 
ground,  "  do  you  feel  cool  and  steady?  " 

"  Not  cool  after  such  a  run  as  that.  I  am  covered  with  per- 
spiration." 

"  But  your  narves  —  how  is  they  ?  " 

'*  Steady  enough  to  hold  a  rifle." 

"  And  use  it?" 

"  I  think  so." 

"  Wai,  we'll  tell  better  by  and  by.  We  must  knock  over  two 
of  them  peeps,  or  they'll  go  for  us.  Can  you  shoot?" 

"  A  little,"  I  answered,  modestly. 

"  Humph.  We'll  see  how  much  that  little  amounts  to.  Take  a 
careful  aim  and  cover  your  man.  We  can't  afford  to  waste  a  shot. 
Imitate  me." 

"  I  will,  all  except  the  running*" 

"  Wai,  we  may  have  some  of  that  to  do  afore  we  is  through 
with  these  fellers.  Ah,  what  is  they  up  to  now,  I  wonder?  " 

The  horsemen  had  stopped,  and  were  grouped  together  for  con- 
sultation. They  had  not  seen  Hardcase  and  myself  when  we 
crossed  the  level  spot  between  the  woods  and  the  wagon ;  for 
when  we  ran  we  were  somewhat  sheltered  by  the  latter,  and  while 
we  were  under  the  shadow  of  the  trees,  of  course  we  were  out  of 
sight  of  those  on  the  plain. 

u  I  hope  they  is  not  a  goin'  to  make  a  dash  at  the  wagon," 
muttered  the  driver.  "  If  they  does  will  your  men  fight  ?  " 


358 

"  Two  or  three  of  them  will,  I  am  certain,  and  the  others  will 
strike  a  blow  if  cornered." 

It  seemed  as  though  the  horsemen  were  determined  to  make  an 
attempt  at  capturing  the  team,  for  one  of  them  rode  rapidly  to- 
wards it,  and  did  not  draw  rein  until  he  was  within  fifteen  or 
twenty  fathoms  of  it.  Then  he  halted  and  examined  the  wagon, 
and  the  men  who  where  clustered  around  it. 

This  movement  we  watched  with  some  anxiety,  for  we  feared 
a  sudden  dash. 

"  That  is  Joquin,"  whispered  Hardcase,  in  a  tone  that  sa- 
vored somewhat  of  admiration.  "  I  know  it's  him,  the  cunning 
rogue." 

"  How  are  you  so  certain?  " 

"  Don't  you  see  that  feller  ain't  still  for  one  second.  See  him 
move  fust  one  way  and  then  another.  Allers  in  motion." 

"  What  is  it  for  ?  "  I  asked,  in  my  simplicity. 

*'  What  for  ?  "  re-echoed  the  driver,  in  a  tone  that  savored  some- 
what of  contempt ;  '*  why,  he  don't  want  a  bullet  through  his  skin 
—  he  don't.  Your  men  must  be  mighty  smart  on  the  trigger  to 
hit  him,  now  I  tell  you.  O,  he's  an  old  head,  I'll  warrant  you." 

The  night  was  not  so  dark  but  we  could  see  the  movements  of 
the  man  quite  plainly,  and  I  must  confess  that  they  were  worth 
noting,  for  I  never  saw  a  more  graceful  piece  of  acting.  Now 
the  horse  would  bound  forward,  now  retreat,  the  body  of  the 
rider  swaying  to  and  fro,  so  that  it  was  almost  impossible  for  any 
one,  except  an  experienced  marksman  and  an  old  hunter  accus- 
tomed to  the  business,  to  hit  him.  The  horse  and'rider  appeared 
to  understand  each  other  most  perfectly,  and  a  motion  seemed 
sufficient  to  guide  the  beast. 

"  Blast  the  feller !  I  hope  some  one  will  have  a  crack  at  him, 
if  only  to  let  him  know  that  we  ain't  asleep. 

Hardly  had  the  words  escaped  the  mouth  of  the  driver  than 
there  were  two  loud  reports,  and  we  could  hear  the  whistling  of 
balls  as  they  flew  across  the  plain. 

"  Them  ain't  rifle  shots,"  cried  Hardcase,  with  an  expression 
of  disgust. 

"  I  know  that.  Jake  has  a  pair  of  horse-pistols,  and  some  ona 
has  fired  them." 

"  And  much  good  they  has  done.  But  I  don't  know,  though, 
See,  Joquin  is  off  like  a  deer." 


A   VOLLEY.  359 

In  fact,  the  robber  had  suddenly  wheeled  his  horse  and  dashed 
towards  his  comrades,  as  though  he  thought  time  was  precious 
just  then. 

"  We  can  tell  in  a  minute  what  the  cusses  will  do,"  said  Hard- 
case  ;  and  his  prophecy  was  correct,  for,  after  a  moment's  consul- 
tation, the  gang  trotted  towards  us,  evidently  determined  to  cap- 
ture the  wagon  in  the  easiest  manner  possible. 

"  Now  for  it,"  cried  the  driver,  raising  his  rifle.  "  Wait  till 
I  tell  you,  and  then  fire." 

We  waited  for  a  minute.  On  came  the  horsemen,  galloping 
rapidly,  and  some  of  the  men  chatting  and  laughing  in  a  pleasant 
tone,  as  though  the  business  on  hand  was  of  a  light  and  easy  na- 
ture. I  think  they  were  talking  of  the  recent  shots,  and  making 
merry  over  them,  for  I  heard  several  words  in  Spanish  that  gave 
me  such  an  impression. 

"  Take  the  feller  on  the  right,"  whispered  Hardcase.  "  Don't 
miss  him.  Now,  then,  are  you  ready?" 

"  All  ready  !  " 

"  Let  her  rip,  then." 

We  fired,  and  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  man  whom  I 
had  aimed  at  fall  from  his  horse,  while  the  animal  galloped  towards 
us,  and  stopped  just  as  it  reached  the  woods  where  I  afterwards 
secured  it. 

Hardcase  was  not  so  fortunate  with  his  shot,  much  to  my  sur- 
prise and  his  disgust.  Just  as  he  fired,  or  a  second  before  the 
bullet  left  the  rifle,  the  robber  had  turned  in  his  saddle,  and  con- 
sequently saved  his  life;  but  his  horse  paid  the  penalty,  for  the 
rider  had  drawn  the  curb  rather  tight,  and  the  animal  reared, 
so  that  the  ball  struck  his  neck,  and  down  he  went,  throwing  the 
robber  over  his  head,  where  he  lay  for  a  moment,  stunned  and 
confused  by  the  suddenness  of  the  shock. 

4'  A  miss,  by  the  Lord,"  cried  the  driver,  with  an  imprecation ; 
but  still  he  did  not  neglect  to  load  bis  rifle  while  grumbling  at  his 
ill  luck  —  an  example  I  was  not  slow  to  follow. 

But  we  did  not  have  a  chance  for  another  shot  immediately. 
The  robbers  were  not  fond  of  such  sport,  and  before  we  had  time 
to  charge  our  rifles,  the  horsemen  had  turned  and  fled  towards  the 
place  from  whence  they  came,  sheltered  from  observation  and 
pursuit  by  the  thick  pine  woods  through  which  we  had  passed  aa 
hour  before. 


3GO  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Now  is  our  time,"  said  Hardcuse,  starting  up.  "  Catch  the 
boss  and  come  with  me." 

"  But  the  wounded  man?     What  shall  we  do  with  him?" 

44  Let  him  remain  where  he  is." 

"  But  he  may  die." 

"  Let  him  die  and  be  hanged  ;  it's  no  business  of  ours.  Come 
along  with  me.  We  must  get  through  these  woods  afore  the 
ehuuks  cut  us  off.  Have  you  got  the  boss?" 

"  Yes." 

"  Then  mount  and  gallop  like  the  devil  to  the  wagon.  We 
must  stir  our  stumps  or  we'll  have  our  throats  cut  afore  mornin', 
blast  'em,  for  that  Joquin  isn't  the  man  to  give  it  up  so." 
^  The  wagon  creaked  and  groaned  as  it  started,  thus  informing 
our  enemies  that  we  were  under  way.  I  kept  in  the  rear  of  the 
team,  with  my  eyes  constantly  turned  towards  the  woods,  think- 
ing that  I  should  see  the  robbers  leave  them  and  pursue  us;  but 
all  was  still  and  quiet,  and  no  sign  of  the  ladrones  was  visible. 
I  had  Lilly  for  a  companion,  and  she  chatted  until  we  again  en- 
tered more  woods,  and  then  we  followed  the  wagon  in  silence, 
expecting  every  moment  that  we  should  be  attacked,  but  from 
what  quarter  we  could  not  tell. 

The  road  was  terrible,  filled  with  gullies,  stones,  and  fallen 
timber.  Half  a  dozen  times  did  we  stop  to  remove  obstructions 
from  the  trail,  and  once  to  chain  the  wheels  so  that  the 'wagon 
should  not  be  dashed  to  pieces  in  sliding  down  a  ravine,  which 
the  winter  rains  had  gullied  out.  How  we  escaped  I  do  not 
know,  for  the  trees  made  the  road  dark  and  it  was  almost  impos- 
sible to  see  the  leading  mules.  Hardcase  must  have  felt  some  joy 
to  have  extricated  us  from  our  perilous  position  in  safety,  for  had 
the  wagon  capsized,  we  should  have  been  compelled  to  leave  most 
of  our  goods  and  chattels  on  the  road,  for  we  would  not  have 
dared  remain  and  .protect  them,  with  a  gang  of  robbers  hovering 
in  our  rear. 

After  an  hour's  hard  work  we  had  the  satisfaction  of  emerging 
from  the  woods  and  striking  a  prairie  ;  and  as  we  reached  it  we 
found  that  there  were  indications  of  daylight  in  the  east,  and  the 
signs  were  hailed  with  the  most  intense  satisfaction  by  all  of  our 
party. 

"  A  few  miles  more,  cap'n,  and  we'll  fetch  water,"  said  Hard- 
case,  as  I  rode  towards  him,  after  leaving  the  woods,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  congratulating  him  on  his  skilful  driving. 


A   HALT.  361 

"  We  shall  have  to  camp,"  I  said,  "  for  the  mules  look  too  tired 
to  tramp  much  further.  They  need  rest." 

u  Of  course  they  does,  and  they  shall  have  it,  although  we 
must  keep  our  eyes  peeled  all  the  same.  I  don't  think  we've  seen 
the  last  of  Joquin.  He  ain't  the  man  to  give  up  in  that  manner. 
He  is  like  a  bull-dog j  and  if  he  ain't  got  better  business  afore  him, 
he'll  try  his  hand  ag'in  as  sure  as  you're  a  live  man." 

u  How  far  are  we  from  water?"  I  asked. 

*'  Not  more'n  three  miles  ;  but  we  will  fetch  and  give  the  mules 
somethin'  to  line  their  bellies.  It's  no  use  to  talk.  I'd  rather  rim 
the  risk  of  a  fight  than  kill  my  mules,  'cos  they  is  worth,  each  on 
'em,  three  hundred  dollars,  and  I  can't  afford  to  lose  that  sum, 
you  know." 

I  did  not  urge  the  man,  for  I  thought  he  knew  his  own  busi- 
ness best.  Besides,  to  tell  the  truth,  I  did  not  really  think  we 
should  have  another  attack.  I  supposed  that  the  Mexicans,  find- 
ing we  were  well  armed  and  ready,  would  haul  off  for  some  other 
party,  and  let  us  go  on  our  journey  in  peace  ;  and  as  my  men 
were  tired,  and  Lilly  began  to  droop,  I  had  no  great  objections  to 
halting  and  refreshing. 

We  were  some  time  in  moving  three  miles,  when  we  struck  a 
branch  of  the  Yuba,  the  water  of  which  was  pure  and  cold.  Here 
,we  halted  beneath  the  shadow  of  a  grove  of  trees,  where  we 
could  protect  ourselves  in  case  of  an  attack,  and  be  well  covered 
from  the  fire  of  an  enemy. 

By  the  time  our  mules  were  turned  loose,  the  sun  had  made  its 
appearance,  and  we  were  enabled  to  take  a  full  survey  of  the  prai- 
rie ;  but  no  one  was  in  sight,  even  from  the  top  of  the  tallest  tree, 
which  Jake  climbed  for  the  purpose  of  being  assured  that  neither 
Indians  nor  robbers  were  lurking  near,  before  he  could  commence 
a  fire  for  breakfast.  After  the  negro  was  satisfied,  he  turned  to 
with  a  will,  and  in  half  an  hour  we  had  an  excellent  meal ;  and 
then  we  lighted  our  pipes  and  lay  down  under  the  trees,  intend- 
ing to  talk  over  the  events  of  the  night,  before  we  posted  a  picket 
and  went  to  sleep.  While  we  were  thus  engaged,  it  suddenly 
entered  Jake's  thick  head  that  it  would  be  a  good  thing  if  he  took 
a  Lath  in  the  river,  which  was  only  a  few  rods  distant,  and  shel- 
tered by  bushes  and  trees.  He  did  not  ask  my  consent,  —  and  in- 
deed it  was  not  needed,  —  but  off  he  started,  and  was  not  missed. 
We  supposed  that  he  was  busy  with  his  pots  and  pans ;  but  while 


362  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

smoking  our  second  pipe  we  beard  a  shrill  yell,  and  then  a  sue* 
cession  of  yells,  which  startled  us  to  our  feet  in  short  order,  and 
made  us  grasp  our  rifles  and  pistols  in  expectation  of  an  immedi- 
ate attack. 

Hardly  had  we  gained  our  feet  and  collected  our  arms,  when 
we  were  astonished  with  the  sight  of  a  dark,  naked  form,  bound- 
ing from  the  bushes  near  the  river,  and  rushing  towards  us." 

"  Good  God  !  "  I  thought ;  "  the  Indians  are  upon  us/* 

"The  Injuns  !  the  Injuns  !  "  yelled  Bushy,  and  with  the  words 
up  went  one  of  the  venerable  horse  pistols,  while  the  man  shut  his 
eyes  and  fired.  Then,  as  though  satisfied  with  the  result,  he 
dropped  the  weapon  on  the  ground,  and  made  for  the  nearest  tree, 
up  which  he  went  with  wonderful  rapidity. 

I  don't  know  where  the  ball  from  the  pistol  went.  I  know 
this  much,  that  it  did  not  go  near  the  strange-looking  being  who 
was  approaching  us,  for  he  continued  to  run  and  to  yell  with  most 
astonishing  vigor ;  and  he  kept  it  up  until  he  was  within  a  rod 
or  so  of  us,  and  then  he  shopped,  and  suddenly  fell  upon  his  knees, 
and  stretched  out  his  hands  as  though  asking  for  protection.  The 
cause  of  this  was  on  account  of  the  number  of  rifles  he  saw 
pointed  at  him,  and  it  is  a  wonder  that  the  man  was  not  shot,  for 
we  were  all  ready  to  fire,  when  the  person  who  was  making  such 
an  indecent  exhibition  of  himself,  shouted, — 

"  De  Injuns  !  de  Injuns  !  Dey  is  on  us  wid  knives  and  toma- 
hawks." 

It  was  Jake.  We  could  not  fail  to  recognize  his  voice ;  but 
we  did  not  know  his  form,  especially  when  it  was  not  covered 
with  clothing. 

I  turned  to  caution  Lilly  about  remaining  near  the  front ;  but 
she  had  already  taken  the  alarm,  and  was  under  the  wagon  with 
her  head  covered  with  a  blanket. 

"  You  rascal !  "  I  shouted,  "  what  do  you  mean  by  frightening 
us  in  this  manner  ?  Where  are  your  clothes  ?  " 

"  Over  dar,  sir." 

"  Why  didn't  you  put  them  on  before  you  came  here?" 

"  Couldn't,  sar.  De  Injins  see  me  and  fire  de  arrers  at  me. 
Come  precious  near  dis  child,  too,  dat  I  tell  you  ;  "  and  Jake  arose 
from  his  knees  and  wrapped  a  blanket,  which  Will  had  thrown 
him,  around  his  form,  and  then  hurried  to  the  shelter  of  a  tree, 
and  commenced  relating  his  troubles  to  Bushy,  who  had  takeo 


A   BRUSH   WITH   INDIANS.  363 

occasion  to  descend  to  terra  firma,  while  we  were  occupied  in 
questioning  Jake.  I  looked  around  for  Hardcase,  but  he  had 
vanished  as  soon  as  he  had  heard  Jake  announce  the  presence  of 
Indians  ;  and  while  I  was  wondering  what  I  should  do,  he  re- 
appeared, leaving  the  bushes  which  grew  on  the  banks  of  the  river 
with  hasty  strides,  as  though  there  was  work  before  him,  and  it 
was  time  to  commence  it. 

When  Hardcase  joined  me,  after  reconnoitring  the  body  of 
Indians  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  who  Jake  declared 
44  were  one  hundred  strong  and  terrible  savage,  with  no  clothing 
except  a  mat  around  their  loins,"  he  motioned  me  to  step  aside  so 
so  that  we  could  converse  without  the  men  listening  to  what  we 
said.  As  soon  as  we  reached  a  convenient  position,  the  driver 
said, — 

44  I've  taken  a  look  at  them  black  divils,  and  I  don't  like  the 
way  they  carries  themselves.  No,  I  must  confess  I  don't." 

44  How  many  of  them  did  you  make  out?  " 

"  About  two  dozen  bucks,  but  nary  a  woman  or  child." 

44  Of  course  if  we  are  attacked  we  must  fight,"  I  remarked. 

44  I  know  that ;  but  all  our  folks  won't  fight.  If  they  would 
we  might  whip  'em.  If  we  can  keep  the  Injuns  off,  well  and 
good ;  but  can  we  lick  'em,  and  Joquin  and  his  gang?  " 

44  We  can  try,"  I  responded. 

"  And  we  will  try,"  cried  Hardcase,  enthusiastically.  u  I  tell 
you  I  feel  a  little  fightish,  and  afore  I  gives  up  my  mules  and 
wagon,  I'll  empty  my  rifle  a  dozen  times  or  more.  The  cusses  is 
waiting  on  the  other  bank  of  the  river,  and  they  won't  attack  us 
till  dark.  That  we  can  rely  on,  'cos  they  fear  our  rifles." 

44  Now  for  our  plans  of  defence,"  I  remarked. 

44  Wai,  what  do  you  propose?  " 

44  That  we  fortify  ourselves  in  the  best  manner  possible." 

44  Them's  my  sentiments.  We  has  got  to  do  it,  and  wait  and 
see  what  the  Injuns  is  goin'  to  do.  Will  you  leave  it  all  to  me?" 

44  Certainly.    You  have  the  command,  and  I'll  act  as  assistant." 

'4  Then  we  must  go  to  work.  Out  with  the  axes,  and  down 
with  some  of  these  trees.  With  'em  we'll  form  breastworks  and 
shelter  ;  and  if  we  don't  keep  the  Injuns  and  Joquin  at  bay,  I'ca 
much  mistaken." 

44  But  they'll  run  our  mules  off." 

44  No,  they  won't,  'cos  we  will  have  'em  with  us.  You'll  see 
tow  I'll  fix  'em." 


364  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

We  got  out  our  axes,  and  all  bauds  set  to  work  using  them.  If 
Jake  and  Bushy  did  not  know  how  to  manage  fire-arms,  the  same 
could  not  be  said  regarding  the  manner  in  which  they  handled  the 
pioneer's  weapon  of  civilization,  the  axe ;  for  the  stately  trees 
fell  with  such  heavy  crashes  that  the  ground  trembled  for  rods 
from  our  camp,  and  the  Indians  on  the  other  side  of  the  river 
must  have  wondered  what  we  were  doing,  making  such  a  noise. 
They  did  not  cross  over  to  see,  however,  and  the  work  went  on 
until  we  had  laid  low  some  thirty  trees,  and  then  the  axes  were 
put  aside,  and  we  commenced  the  formation  of  our  fortification. 
We  piled  the  trees,  one  upon  the  other,  at  right  angles,  until  we 
had  formed  a  square,  the  wagon  helping  to  form  one  side.  Our 
walls  were  about  five  feet  high,  and  so  covered  with  green  leaves 
that  we  could  look  over  them  and  run  no  risk  of  being  seen  by 
the  enemy.  One  side  we  left  open  for  the  entrance  of  the  mules  ; 
and  when  we  were  ready  for  them  Hardcase  took  his  rifle, 
mounted  my  horse,  and  went  in  search  of  them.  They  were 
feeding  on  the  prairie,  some  distance  from  the  river,  and  were 
very  reluctant  to  leave  the  wild  oats  which  grew  so  plentifully 
v'bere.  But  at  last  Hardcase  started  them,  and  galloped  towards 
the  river  for  the  purpose  of  giving  them  a  drink  before  they  were 
subjected  to  a  siege  which  we  did  not  know  how  soon  might  ter- 
minate, or  how  long  it  would  last. 

During  the  afternoon  Hardcase  and  I  were  occupied  in  various 
things  appertaining  to  our  safety.  The  driver  visited  the  prairie 
and  cut  several  large  armfuls  of  oats  to  feed  the  animals  with, 
while  Mr.  Topmall  volunteered  to  bring  water  from  the  river  and 
fill  all  our  canteens  and  all  the  empty  vessels,  so  that  we  had 
enough  to  last  us  for  twenty-four  hours,  although  the  animals 
would  suffer  unless  we  could  find  some  means  of  supplying  them 
in  the  course  of  a  day  or  two. 

At  last  we  were  ready,  and  just  at  sundown,  while  we  were 
drinking  a  pot  of  cold  tea,  and  eating  pieces  of  bread  and  meat, 
we  saw  two  or  three  dark  forms  steal  along  the  bank  of  the  river 
and  shelter  themselves  in  a  clump  of  bushes.  They  were  noting 
our  position,  and  getting  ready  for  an  attack  if  they  thought  one 
likely  to  succeed.  We  were  ready  for  action,  but  waited  for  the 
black  rascals  to  commence  the  fight  if  they  saw  fit.  As  darkness 
stole  over  us  we  stationed  our  men,  with  strict  orders  to  keep 
awake  and  watch  for  the  foe.  We  held  our  weapons  ready  for 


ALL  READY  FOR  AN  ATTACK.  365 

use,  but  hour  after  hour  passed  and  there  were  no  signs  of  an 
attack,  and  we  began  to  hope  that  we  should  escape  a  fight ; 
but  we  were  doorned  to  disappointment,  for  Hardcase  came  to 
my  side  and  whispered,  — 

"  I  can  hear  the  tramp  of  horses  on  the  Yuba  road,  and  they 
are  coming  in  this  direction." 

The  sound  of  the  horses'  hoofs  grew  more  distinct,  and  at  last, 
just  as  the  riders  were  opposite  our  camp,  they  suddenly  stopped, 
as  though  they  had  lost  the  trail  of  our  wagon,  and  were  some- 
what puzzled  to  find  it. 

"  Ah,"  muttered  Hardcase,  "  you  may  bet  high  that  Joquin 
leads  that  party ; "  and  I  thought  that  the  driver  spoke  in  rather 
an  enthusiastic  tone,  as  though  he  felt  proud  to  be  near  such  a 
man. 

"  What  reason  have  you  for  thinking  so?  "  I  asked. 

"  Wai,  I'll  tell  you.  You  see  our  wagon  trail  didn't  go  no 
further  than  this,"  pointing  with  his  hand  in  the  direction  of  the 
prairie. 

"  Yes,  I'm  aware  of  that." 

"  Wai,  Joquin  can  foller  a  trail  in  the  dark  as  well  as  most 
men  can  in  daylight.  He's  a  great  scout,  and  knows  his  busi- 
ness. Yes  ;  I'll  give  him  the  credit  of  knowing  what  he's  about 
as  well  as  any  Mexican  that  lives  in  this  part  of  the  country.  He 
has  follered  us  right  along,  but  the  instant  the  trail  ceased  he 
stopped.  O,  he's  got  an  eye  like  a  hawk,  that  feller  has.  Can't 
fool  him,  not  easy." 

"  Then  you  suppose  that  he'll  pay  us  a  visit  before  long." 

"  He'll  come  this  way,  I'll  bet.  He  will  want  to  see  if  we  has 
crossed  the  river,  or  is  camped  and  sound  asleep.  If  he  should  —  " 

The  driver  ceased  speaking,  for  at  that  moment  there  was  a 
rustling  in  the  bushes  just  outside  of  our  fortifications,  and  at  the 
same  instant  arose  the  shrill  yelp  of  a  prairie  dog,  or  cayote ;  and 
very  mournful  it  sounded,  as  it  floated  along  through  the  calm 
air,  and  was  taken  up  by  cayotes,  near  the  river,  and  the  howl  re- 
peated with  all  sorts  of  cadences  and  variations. 

Hardcase  raised  his  rifle,  and  let  it  rest  for  a  moment  in  the 
direction  of  the  bushes.  But  the  next  instant  he  removed  it  from 
his  shoulder,  and  muttered,  — 

"  Let  the  poor  devil  go  —  he  ain't  worth  powder  and  ball.  It'a 
a  poor  trick,  and  a  risky  one,  as  the  scamp  will  find  out  some  day 
if  he  ain't  keerful." 


366  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  What  do  you  mean  ?  You  wouldn't  fire  at  a  do.g  or  wolf  at 
such  a  time  as  this  —  would  you  ?  " 

"And  you  really  thought  that  noise  was  caused  by  a  dog-— 
did  you?"  asked  Hardcase,  with  a  low  laugh. 

"  Of  course  it  was.     Didn't  I  hear  him  howl?" 

"  O,  Lord,  how  easy  you  sailor  chaps  is  fooled  !  'Twan't  no 
dog  that  made  that  noise,  I  tell  you.  'Twas  an  Injun,  and  a  bold 
one  at  that.  He  come  to  see  what  we  was  doin',  and  if  we 
wan't  asleep.  He  made  more  noise  .than  he  meant  to,  and  he 
must  have  thought  that  we  was  awful  green,  or  he'd  been  more 
keerful.  But  when  he  found  that  we  was  awake,  and  that  he'd 
been  imprudent,  he  thinks  to  turn  it  off  by  a  howl ;  but  I'd  make 
him  howl  to  a  different  tune  if  Joquin  wan't  near  us.  Blast  him, 
let  him  go  ;  but  I  hope  the  Injuns  won't  think  I  was  cheated  by 
so  shallow  a  trick." 

In  the  mean  time,  it  was  evident  that  the  party,  on  horseback 
were  slowly  and  cautiously  approaching  our  camp,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  discovering  if  we  had  crossed  the  river,  or  had  halted  for 
the  night.  It  was  evident  that  the  robbers  did  not  suspect  the 
close  proximity  of  the  Indians  ;  if  they  had  they  would  have  been 
much  more  circumspect  in  their  movements,  and  avoided  an  am- 
bush, for  while  the  gang  was  coming  towards  us  the  sounds  of  the 
prairie  dogs  ceased,  and  all  was  quiet  on  the  bank  of  the  river. 

*'  Had  we  not  better  give  the  horsemen  a  salute  ? "  I  asked, 
while  Hardcase  and  I  were  peering  over  the  barricade,  watching 
their  movements. 

One  of  them  was  dismounted  and  searching  for  the  wagon  trail, 
and  the  others  were  sitting  on  their  horses,  quietly  smoking,  wait- 
ing for  a  report. 

"  Not  for  a  hundred  dollars  would  I  fire  a  gun  at  the  present 
time,"  was  the  answer.  "  Keep  still,  and  perhaps  we  shall  see 
some  fun  afore  we  is  much  older.  The  Injuns  is  quiet  now  — 
they  is  much  astonished  at  the  appearance  of  them  men,  and  don't 
know  whether  they  is  our  friends  or  enemies.  Even  now  the 
black  rascals  is  examining  them  from  every  bush,  and  you  will 
see  fun  in  a  few  minutes,  unless  the  robbers  take  the  scent  and 
make  off." 

Presently  the  ladrone  who  was  dismounted  announced  that  he 
had  found  the  trail,  and  then  the  whole  party  came  towards  us. 
We  counted  them  —  there  were  nine,  and  all  well  armed,  we  had 
no  doubt. 


DIAMOND  CUT  DIAMOND.  367 

"  A  few  seconds  more,  and  our  camp  will  be  discovered," 
whispered  Hardcase.  "  As  soon  as  they  see  it  they'll  turn  tail 
in  a  hurry.  Had  we  better  give  'em  a  shot  ?  " 

Before  I  had  time  to  reply  there  were  yells  to  the  right  and 
left  of  us,  and  then  we  heard  the  twang  of  bowstrings,  and  the 
whiz  of  arrows.  Some  of  the  shots  told,  for  we  saw  two  of  the 
horses  plunge  wildly  and  then  fall ;  while  one  of  the  robbers  ut- 
tered a  pious  exclamation,  a  call  upon  the  saints  for  mercy,  and  fell 
to  the  ground  ;  and'  then  his  companions  drew  their  pistols,  charged 
with  a  rush  towards  the  bushes,  fired  several  shots  from  their  re- 
volvers, and  wheeled  their  horses  and  fled,  leaving  the  dead  or 
wounded  man  upon  the  field. 

We  could  not  tell  if  the  gang  of  Mexicans  had  inflicted  any  in- 
jury upon  their  opponents,  for  they  kept  very  quiet  after  the 
retreat  pf  the  horsemen,  and  seemed  to  be  waiting  for  further  de- 
velopments. They  evidently  thought  that  the  Mexicans  were 
re-enforcements  for  our  party. 

At  last,  when  we  found  that  there  was  no  probability  of  an  im- 
mediate attack,  we  proposed  that  half  of  our  number  should  lie 
down  and  get  some  rest,  which  was  much  needed,  and  that  the 
balance  should  keep  watch.  The  instant  this  was  proposed,  Lilly 
suggested  that  I  should  sleep  while  she  stood  guard  in  my  place. 

4t  But  your  eyes  will  grow  heavy,"  I  remarked. 

"  Look  at  them,  and  see  if  they  are  not  bright  enough  to  distin- 
guish an  enemy  many  yards  distant." 

In  fact  they  did  look  bright,  and  she  was  eager  to  take  my 
place.  I  was  tired,  and  needed  a  little  sleep ;  so,  after  a  mo- 
ment's consultation  with  Hardcase,  who  seemed  to  be  more 
watchful  than  ever,  and  disdained  the  thought  of  closing  his  eyes, 
I  lay  down  under  the  wagon,  and  soon  fell  asleep  ;  and  while  I  was 
dreaming  of  Julia,  and  that  our  quarrel  had  been  settled  in  the 
happiest  manner,  and  that  I  had  again  ordered  a  wedding  suit,  a 
hand  was  laid  on  my  shoulder,  and  starting  up,  I  found  that  Lilly 
had  awakened  me. 

"  Hush,"  she  said.  "  Don't  make  a  noise.  The  driver  told  me 
to  arouse  you.  The  robbers  are  close  to.  us." 

In  a  very  short  time  I  was  by  the  side  of  Hardcase,  who  was 
listening  and  peering  through  the  branches  of  the  trees,  quiet  but 
watchful  as  usual.  "  What  is  up?  "  I  asked. 

44  That  is  more  than  I  can  tell.     Some  movement  is  going  on 


368  A  WHALE^N'S  ADVENTURES. 

Dear  the  bank  of  the  river,  but  what  it  is  I  cannot  imagine.  The 
scamps  may  intend  to  carry  our  place  by  storm ;  and  if  such  an 
attempt  is  made,  we  must  give  the  rascals  a  warm  reception- 
Call  up  the  men  and  get  them  ready." 

It  was  rather  hard  to  start  some  of  our  people,  for  they  were  tired 
and  sleepy ;  but  at  length  we  had  them  in  proper  position,  with 
guns  in  their  hands,  and  orders  not  to  fire  until  they  saw  some- 
thing to  fire  at.  By  the  time  this  was  accomplished,  we  could 
hear  stealthy  movements  in  the  bushes,  as  though  the  Indians 
were  attempting  to  take  up  good  positions  near  our  defences,  un- 
der cover  of  darkness.  All  at  once,  while  we  were  listening, 
there  was  a  sudden  lighting  up  of  the  bushes,  and  then  followed  a 
pistol  volley,  and  we  could  hear  the  balls  ring  as  they  tore  their 
way  through  the  bushes.  Joquin  and  his  gang  were  again  at  work 
determined  to  revenge  the  injury  which  they  had  received  at  the 
hands  of  the  Indians.  As  yet  the  former  did  not  suspect  the 
presence  of  our  force  and  fortifications,  for  not  a  bullet  came  in 
our  direction. 

The  discharge  of  fire-arms  was  answered  by  a  yell,  one  of  the 
fiercest  and  loudest  that  I  ever  heard,  and  then  from  a  dozen 
different  directions  could  we  hear  the  whizzing  of  arrows,  showing 
in  the  most  conclusive  manner  that  the  dark-skinned  natives  were 
neither  surprised  nor  intimidated  by  the  attack  on  the  part  of  the 
Mexicans.  They  must  have  approached  each  other  by  crawling 
from  bush  to  bush,  and  poured  in  their  fire  when  they  found  they 
were  at  close  quarters. 

For  a  few  minutes  all  was  silent,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
groans  which  came  from  some  person  wounded.  The  Indians 
remained  in  ambush,  waiting  an  attack,  and  the  Mexicans  did  the 
same,  satisfied  their  revolvers  would  make  short  work  of  the 
natives  when  they  chose  to  show  themselves.  But  this  the  red 
men  were  not  disposed  to  do.  They  preferred  remaining  where 
they  were  until  such  time  as  their  weapons  could  be  used  in  an 
effectual  manner.  They  had  the  advantage  of  numbers,  and  knew 
that  at  short  distances  their  arrows  would  be  as  effectual  as  pistols  ; 
and  while  they  waited  the  Mexicans  crept  from  the  bushes,  passed 
around  a  grove  of  trees  towards  the  banks  of  the  river,  intend- 
ing, in  military  parlance,  to  flank  the  Indians  ;  but  the  latter,  by 
the  aid  of  their  scouts,  learned  the  design,  and  therefore  fell  back 
to  the  river,  taking  a  stronger  position  than  before.  As  soon  as 


A   HASTY   RETREAT.  369 

the  Mexicans  saw  that  they  had  failed,  they  fired  a  few  shots  for 
the  purpose  of  feeling  the  natives,  and  then  retreated,  the  In- 
dians close  upon  them,  and  discharging  their  arrows  rapidly. 
The  conflict  was  thus  carried  some  distance  from  us,  and  raged 
quite  warm  ;  and  while  it  was  going  on,  Hardcase  adopted  a  new 
resolution. 

"  We  must  leave  this  place,"  he  said.  "  Now  is  our  time  to 
start,  and  without  a  moment's  delay.  Them  fellers  will  fight  all 
night,  and  neither  party  will  whip.  While  they  is  at  work  we 
can  reach  the  Yuba,  and  be  out  of  their  reach.  They  won't  know 
we  has  gone." 

We  hurried  the  mules  over  the  prairie,  and  struck  the  road 
which  wound  along  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  as  we  reached  the 
top  of  a  hill,  paused  a  moment  to  look  back.  We  could  see 
the  flashes  of  the  pistols,  and  hear  the  reports  of  the  weapons ; 
butVhich  side  was  getting  the  best  of  the  battle  we  could  not  tell, 
and  cared  but  little. 

"  Let  'em  fight,"  said  Hardcase.  "  May  the  Lord  keep  'em  at 
it  for  four  hours,  is  the  only  prayer  I  can  utter  at  the  present 
time.  Now,  then,  look  out  for  the  wagon,  and  keep  it  on  its 
legs  ;  "  and  the  mules  started,  and  away  WQ  went  down  hill,  the 
wagon  swaying  to  and  fro,  and  creaking  as  though  it  would 
give  out  every  moment ;  and  faith,  appearances  were  correct,  for 
just  as  we  reached  the  foot  of  the  hill,  one  of  the  wheels  came 
in  contact  with  a  stone  which  was  lying  on  the  trail,  and  with  a 
crash  down  fell  the  wagon,  some  spokes  having  yielded  to  the 
pressure,  and  tumbled  to  pieces. 
24 


370  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

A  BAD  POSITION.  —  OFF  FOB  HELP. OLD  NAT  BAKER. 

OUR  situation  was  not  so  pleasant  as  the  one  we  had  left,  and 
we  could  not  help  regretting  that  we  had  started. 

"  What  shall  we  do  ?  "  asked  Hardcase,  as  we  walked  aside  to 
consult. 

"  We  can  leave  the  wagon  and  cargo,  and  effect  our  escape  on 
the  mules,"  I  answered. 

"  Yes,  we  can  do  that;  but  I  don't  believe  in  such  desertion. 
We'll  stick  by  the  wagon  as  long  as  we  can,  and  when  we  can't 
defend  it  we'll  leave  it.  Blast  the  luck  !  who'd  have  thought  that 
confounded  wheel  would  give  out  jist  as  it  did.  A  few  miles  fur- 
ther and  we'd  been  all  right  —  for  the  varmints  don't  dare  to  get 
within  the  sound  of  old  Nat  Baker's  rifle.  Blast  it !  I  wish  that 
he  was  here,  or  we  had  his  team." 

"  Why  can't  we  have  it  ?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  don't  know.  I  s'pose  we  could,  if  I  should  see  him.  Old 
Nat  would  do  most  anything  for  me.  We  come  from  Oregon  to- 
gether, you  know." 

"  Did  you  ?  " 

"  O,  yes  ;  we're  like  brothers." 

While  the  driver  was  speaking  I  was  thinking  of  an  interview 
I  once  had  with  Baker  at  the  San  Francisco  post-office,  when  the 
old  man  expressed  much  indignation  at  the  conduct  of  one  of  the 
clerks  on  duty.  I  remembered  how  warmly  the  Oregoniau  had  in- 
vited me  to  visit  him  at  his  ranche  on  the  Yuba,  and  had  promised 
me  all  the  assistance  in  his  power,  in  case  I  needed  it. 

u  I  will  go  for  the  wagon,"  I  said.  "  I  ain  acquainted  with 
the  man,  and  can  borrow  or  hire  it." 

Hardcase  thought  of  the  proposition  for  a  moment,  before  he 
said,  — 

"  It's  the  only  way  to  save  the  groceries.  Mount  your  hoss  and 
be  off,  and  don't  let  the  grass  grow  under  your  feet." 

"  And  the  road?"  I  asked. 


A   HUNT   FOR   A  WAGON.  371 

"  Is  straight  ahead  until  you  reach  the  Forks,  then  turn  to  the 
left,  arid  foller  the  trail  for  a  mile,  and  you'll  see  Baker's  house. 
It's  on  the  bank  of  the  Yuba,  and  the  only  house  to  be  seen  for 
miles." 

"  I  will  take  the  boy  for  company,"  I  said,  knowing  that  Lilly 
would  fret  during  my  absence,  and  would  be  of  no  use  in  case  of 
an  attack. 

"  Wai,  we  can  spare  him.  Now  be  off,  for  we  may  need  help 
afore  you  can  get  back.  Tell  old  Nat  how  we  is  placed,  and 
ask  him  to  come  to  us.  If  he  refuses,  tell  him  that  we  have  a 
keg  of  the  best  whiskey  to  be  found  in  Sacramento  City,  and  that 
it  is  liable  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Indians.  That  will  start 
him,  I  guess." 

I  "was  enabled  to  reach  the  Forks  just  at  daybreak,  about 
four  o'clock.  Then  I  turned  as  directed  by  Hardcase,  and  after 
following  a  trail  for  two  miles,  I  gained  the  top  of  a  hill,  and 
was  enabled  to  obtain  a  fine  view  of  the  valley  which  lay  at  my 
feet,  and  also  the  course  of  the  Yuba,  which  wound  its  way 
among  the  hills,  through  prairies,  and  over  rocks,  foaming  and 
roaring  as  though  in  a  terrible  hurry  to  reach  the  Sacramento 
River.  Nestled  in  a  grove  of  trees  was  a  rudely  built  house, 
plastered  over  with  mud  which  the  hot  sun  had  baked  hard,  until 
it  looked  capable  of  resisting  the  storms  and  rains  of  winter.  On 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  river  were  some  ten  or  twenty  tents  and 
huts,  occupied  by  those  who  were  engaged  in  mining,  and  before 
each  habitation  was  to  be  seen  a  thin  spire  of  smoke,  showing 
that  the  miners  were  preparing  their  morning  meal  before  com- 
mencing work.  I  descended  the  hill  at  a  rapid  rate,  and  did  not 
draw  rein  until  I  was  opposite  the  door  of  the  adobe  house ;  and 
no  sooner  did  I  stop  than  two  large  dogs  saluted  me  with  fero- 
cious growls,  as  though  my  visit  was  unwelcome,  and  entirely  too 
early.  As  the  animals  looked  threatening,  I  did  not  dismount,  but 
sat  on  my  horse  until  the  noise  which  the  dogs  made  brought  to 
the  door  a  tow-haired  young  fellow,  six  feet  or  over,  thin,  but 
muscular,  with  a  face  so  freckled  that  it  was  difficult  to  tell  the 
color  of  his  skin. 

u  Hullo,  old  hoss,"  asked  this  specimen  of  young  America, 
"  what  is  up?" 

"  Does  Mr.  Baker  live  here?"  I  inquired. 

"  Wai,  he  don't  live  anywhere  else." 


872  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  would  like  to  see  him,  if  he  is  at  home." 

"  Wai,  he's  at  hum,  and  I  s'pose  you  can  see  him.  Here,  dad, 
somebody  is  arter  you." 

"  What  does  he  want?"  I  heard  a  voice  inquire. 

"  Wai,  can't  you  come  and  see?  "  asked  the  young  man.  "  I 
ain't  goin'  to  ax  him  his  business." 

I  heard  a  growl  which  sounded  like  that  of  a  dog,  and  then 
the  tall,  lank  form  of  old  Nat  Baker  —  the  man  whom  I  had  met 
in  San  Francisco  —  hove  in  sight,  and  scanned  me  with  a  pair  of 
eyes  which  age  had  not  dimmed. 

"  Wai,  stranger,  what  is  it?"  asked  Baker,  after  a  keen  glance 
at  my  person.  He  did  not  recognize  me,  although  I  knew  his 
weather-beaten  face  in  a  moment. 

"  Do  you  recollect  meeting  me  at  the  San  Francisco  post-office 
many  months  since  ?  "  I  asked. 

The  old  fellow  shaded  his  eyes  with  his  huge  black  palm,  and 
took  a  long  look,  and  as  he  gazed  I  saw  the  expression  of  his  face 
change  from  that  of  indifference  to  one  of  pleasure. 

"  By  thunder !  "  he  exclaimed,  leaving  the  doorway  and  ad- 
vancing towards  me,  "  if  it  ain't  you  than  I  hope  to  holler.  Give 
us  your  paw,  old  feller,  and  git  right  off  that  hoss,  and  come  into 
the  house.  Here,  Sam,  Bill,  where  is  you?" 

I  dismounted,  and  Lilly  did  the  same,  while  the  young  men  took 
charge  of  the  animals. 

"  Don't  take  the  saddles  off,"  I  said  ;  "  I  must  leave  you  in  a 
few  minutes." 

"  Nonsense  !  "  cried  the  old  man.  "  You  don't  do  no  such 
thing.  We  holds  on  to  you  for  a  few  days.  Come  in  and  have 
a  cup  of  coffee.  You  and  your  friend  is  welcome." 

"But—" 

"  No  buts  here.     In  you  come." 

I  entered  the  house,  thinking  it  was  the  easiest  way  to  stop 
discussion.  The  three  men  crowded  around  me  to  learn  the  news 
from  a  world  which  they  only  heard  rumors  of. 

"Tell  us  somethiu',"  cried  Nat.     "  How's  things  in  the  city?" 

"  Let  me  first  tell  you  something  that  will  interest  you  all." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  they  exclaimed  ;  u  that  suits  us.     Let  us  have  it." 

u  Within  a  few  miles  of  here  is  a  band  of  Indians.  They  are 
on  the  war-path,  and  mean  mischief." 


PROMPT   AID.  373 

"  Let  'em  come,"  muttered  old  Nat,  glancing  at  his  long  rifle, 
which  was  in  a  corner  of  the  room. 

"  But  I  have  more  news." 

"  Good  !  let  us  have  it." 

"  Joquiu  and  his  gang  are  not  far  from  here." 

"  Ah,  the  varmints  !  I  heard  they  was  at  their  work  agin.  This 
is  serious.  The  Injuns  ain't  of  much  'count,  but  the  Mexicans  is 
sharp,  and  must  be  looked  to.  Did  you  see  'em  ?  " 

44  Yes,  and  had  a  brush  with  them." 

"  The  devil !     Not  you  two  ?  " 

44  No.  A  few  miles  from  here  is  my  party,  under  the  charge 
of  one  Hardcase,  a  teamster." 

"Not  Bill  Hardcase?" 

"  The  same." 

"  And  what  does  Bill  want?  " 

44  Your  team  and  your  help,  and  to  obtain  them  without  delay 
he  sent  me  forward.  His  wagon  has  broken  down,  and  not  more 
than  two  miles  in  his  rear  are  Joquin  and  the  Indians,  fighting. 
As  soon  as  they  cease  fighting,  one  gang  or  the  other  will  attack 
Hardcase  for  the  sake  of  plundering  his  freight." 

The  three  men  listened  to  me  in  silence,  and  did  not  lose  a 
word.  As  soon  as  I  had  concluded,  old  Nat  said,  — 

"  Bill,  go  and  toot  that  horn.  Sam,  drive  in  the  mules,  and 
put  the  ^arnesses  on  'em.  We  start  in  fifteen  minutes  for  Oak 
Holler,  where  I  s'pose  Bill  is  waiting  for  us.  Now  eat." 

By  the  time  Lilly  and  I  had  satisfied  our  hunger  the  two  boys 
came  in. 

44  Wai,  what  does  the  miners  say?"  asked  Nat. 

"  All  right,  dad.  Six  of  'em  will  be  here  in  five  minutes,"  an- 
swered Bill,  seating  himself  at  the  table. 

"  And  the  mules,  Sam?  " 

44  They  is  hitched  in,  dad,  and  jumping  to  be  off." 

44  That's  well.  Now  I'll  examine  the  shooting-irons  while  you 
is  eating.  Go  on,  lads,  and  line  your  ribs.  I'll  see  that  the  lead 
•  and  powder  is  right." 

While  he  was  speaking,  half  a  dozen  stalwart  fellows  entered 
the  cabin,  each  man  armed  with  a  revolver  and  a  rifle.  They 
were  all  welcomed  in  a  warm  manner  by  old  Nat,  but  declined 
-  the  breakfast  which  he  offered  them,  on  the  ground  that  they  had 
eaten  enough. 


374  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  Then  take  a  nip  of  whiskey,"  said  the  host ;  and  all  agreed 
to  that,  without  a  single  dissenting  voice.  u  Come,  let's  move," 
cried  Nat,  as  the  tin  pot  returned  to  him  emptied  of  its  contents. 
"  P'aps  Bill  Hardcase  may  be  wanting  us." 

I  found,  on  emerging  from  the  house,  that  all  the  miners  had 
joined  us  with  horses,  which  stood  ready  saddled,  and  hitched  to 
a  fence.  The  animals  which  Lilly  and  I  rode  had  been  taken 
care  of  during  the  time  we  were  breaking  our  fast.  The  boys  had 
taken  off  the  saddles,  fed  the  brutes,  and  rubbed  them  down  with 
wisps  of  straw.  Consequently  the  brutes  were  in  good  condition 
for  the  journey. 

"  Better  let  that  boy  remain  here,"  said  old  Nat,  pointing  to 
Lilly,  who  was  waiting  for  me  to  arrange  her  saddle.  "  He 
won't  be  of  any  use  to  us." 

"  O,  no ;  please  take  me  with  you,"  cried  Lilly,  speaking  in 
her  native  tongue.  "  I  should  die  if  left  here  with  no  one  to 
talk  to.  I  won't  give  you  any  trouble,  you  know  ;  you  know  I 
won't." 

"  But  you  are  too  much  fatigued  for  the  journey." 

"  O,  no.  See  how  smart  I  am !  "  and  she  leaped  into  the 
saddle  so  quickly,  that  even  the  grim  men  who  stood  near  her 
did  not  suspect  her  sex,  and  were  compelled  to  shake  their  heads, 
and  acknowledge  that  he  was  smart,  even  if  he  was  but  a  mere 
chick. 

"  Sam,"  cried  old  Nat,  "  you  jist  look  arter  that  ere  team  and 
the  mules,  and  come  on  arter  us  as  fast  as  possible." 

u  But,  dad,"  whined  Sam,  "  if  there's  any  fighting,  I  shan't 
have  a  hand  in  it ;  I  don't  think  that's  fair.  You  know  I  want  a 
crack  at  Joquin  for  stealin'  my  hoss,  some  two  months  ago ;  dod 
rot  his  pictur." 

"  Never  you  mind  that,  my  boy.  You  just  cotton  to  them 
mules,  and  mind  your  daddy.  Who  knows  but  the  Injuns  may 
give  you  a  chance  for  a  shot  on  the  road  ?  " 

Sam's   face   brightened  at  the  idea.     He  made  no  further  re- 
monstrance, but  took  his  seat  upon  the  wagon,  and  placed  his. 
heavy  rifle  by  his  side,  where  he  could  lay  his  hands  upon  it  at  a 
moment's  notice.     Then  he  gathered  up  the  reins,  and  started  his 
mules  up  the  long  hill  which  I  had  descended  an  hour  before. 

"  You  Bill,"  shouted  old  Nat,  as  the  wagon  started. 

"  Wai,  dad,"  answered  the  young  man,  leaving  a  miner,  with 


TIMELY   ASSISTANCE.  375 

whom  he  was  conversing  regarding  a  bear  hunt  a  few  days 
before. 

"  You  mount  your  nag,  and  start  out  ahead.  We  want  some 
scouting  done,  and  you  is  jist  the  boy  to  do  it." 

"  All  right,  dad.  Shall  I  draw  a  bead  on  the  varmints  if  they 
show  themselves?  " 

"  Not  if  you  see  more'n  one.  Remember  that,  Bill.  No  risk, 
you  know.'.' 

"  All  right,  dad.  I'm  off;  "  and  the  young  giant  threw  him- 
self into  the  saddle,  and  went  off  at  a  gallop,  waving  his  rifle  as 
he  reached  the  top  of  the  hill ;  and  then  with  a  yell  put  spurs  to 
his  horse,  and  disappeared  from  sight. 

By  this  time  all  were  mounted,  and  ready  to  start.  Old  Nat 
locked  the  door  of  his  house,  and  leaving  the  dogs  in  charge,  an- 
nounced that  he  was  off.  We  started  at  a  brisk  trot,  and  soon 
passed  the  wagon,  which  caused  Sam  to  groan  and  complain  that 
it  "  wasn't  fair,  and  he'd  be  gol  darned  ef  he  stood  it  much 
longer." 

The  miners  yelled  at  him  as  we  dashed  on,  and  in  a  few 
minutes  had  left  him  far  behind,  and  reached  the  Forks.  Then, 
for  some  miles,  our  course  was  over  a  trail  that  was  good.  We 
could  see  Bill  far  in  advance,  glancing  to  the  right  and  left, 
as  though  his  keen  eyes  were  searching  for  ambushed  Indians ; 
but  he  did  not  appear  to  encounter  any,  and  on  we  went  until  the 
hot  sun  warned  us  that  our  horses  needed  rest,  or  a  breathing- 
spell  at  least.  Then,  while  we  were  walking  our  animals,  I  con- 
versed a  few  moments  with  Nat.  We  rode  on  for  some  time,  and 
just  as  we  gained  the  top  of  a  hill,  we  saw  Bill  in  the  valley  com- 
ing towards  us  at  a  gallop ;  and  then  the  sound  of  rifle  shots  met 
our  ear,  causing  us  to  touch  our  horses  and  quicken  our  pace. 
In  a  few  minutes  we  joined  Bill,  whose  freckled  face  expressed 
the  news  which  he  brought  us. 

"  Wai,  Bill,  what  is  it?"  asked  old  Nat,  as  he  checked  his 
animal. 

"  Wai,  dad,  the  Injuns  is  over  the  hill.  There's  a  right  smart 
squad  of  'em,  and  they  is  pressing  Hardcase  pretty  hard,  I 
reckon." 

"  On  we  go,"  shouted  old  Nat ;  and  we  dashed  along,  each 
man  looking  at  the  cap  on  his  rifle  as  we  climbed  the  hill  which 
overlooked  the  valley. 


376  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

We  swept  on  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  reached  there  just  in 
time  to  see  the  Indians  dodging  from  tree  to  tree,  as  though  they 
were  preparing  to  surround  Hardcase  and  his  men,  and  then  crush 
them  with  a  rush. 

Our  leader  glanced  over  the  battle-field  with  his  keen  gray 
eyes,  saw  Hardcase's  position,  and  in  what  manner  the  Indians 
were  assailing  him.  After  he  had  seen  all  this,  he  turned  to  his 
companions,  and  said,  — 

"  Boys,  you  won't  make  much  of  a  mistake  if  you  hit  any  of 
'em  ;  so  come  on  and  pitch  in." 

We  charged  down  the  hill  at  a  run,  and  with  a  yell  which  must 
have  encouraged  Hardcase  and  my  men,  as  they  answered  our 
shout,  and  then  fired  a  volley  at  the  Indians,  which  caused  several 
of  them  to  drop  or  limp  towards  the  nearest  clump  of  bushes. 
But  we  saw  that  the  natives  returned  the  fire  with  their  bows 
and  arrows,  and  showed  no  signs  of  retreating  as  we  expected 
they  would  ;  and  this  fact  became  so  strongly  impressed  upon  the 
mind  of  old  Nat  that  to  my  surprise  he  raised  his  voice  and 
shouted,  "  Halt,"  when  we  were  not  more  than  fifty  or  sixty  yards 
from  the  natives. 

"  Boys,"  he  said,  as  we  checked  our  animals  and  demanded  the 
meaning  of  such  an  order,  "  there's  some  blasted  ambush  here, 
and  I  don't  bite  at  it,  I  don't." 

"Nonsense,"  was  the  cry  from  the  miners.  "The  Injuns 
is  in  sight  and  waiting  for  us.  Let's  give  'em  thunder  and  light- 
ning." 

"  Don't  be  blind  as  bats,"  roared  old  Nat.  "  Do  you  think 
I'm  a  fool?  Whar  did  I  come  from ?  Wasn't  it  from  Oregon? 
Didn't  I  cross  overland  ?  Answer  me  that  and  be  hanged  to  you." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  was  the  exclamation ;  for  no  one  could  dispute 
the  assertions. 

"  Then  jist  trust  to  me,  'cos  I  know  what  I'm  about,  I 
does." 

The  miners  appeared  willing  to  listen  to  any  suggestions  which 
might  be  offered. 

u  Do  I  see  seven  or  eight  bosses  in  the  brush  jist  off  there  to 
the  right  ?  " 

We  all  looked  in  the  direction  indicated,  but  I  could  not  make 
out  the  animals. 

" 1  seed  'em,"  said  one  fellow,  whose  vision  was  sharper  thafc 
mine. 


AN    AMBUSH.  377 

u  Wai,  them  hosses  weru't  rid  by  Injuns  —  was  they?  Answer 
toe  that." 

"No,  no." 

"  Wai,  I  should  reckon  not.  Them  hosses  was  rid  by  Mexi- 
cans, and  them  Mexicans  is  not  far  from  us.  They  is  ambushin', 
boys,  as  sure  as  you  is  alive.  Lord,  any  one  with  common  sense 
can  see  through  such  a  trick.  Do  you  s'pose  them  Injuns  would 
stand  there  and  wait  for  us  unless  they  know'd  they  had  some  one 
between  'em  and  the  fire  we  could  pour  in  ?  " 

His  argument  did  look  reasonable,  and  if  true,  would  place 
old  Nat  at  the  head  of  his  profession  —  as  a  scout  of  rare  abili- 
ties. 

"  Now,  boys,  you  jist  see  how  we'll  draw  the  varmints.  Fol- 
low me." 

He  turned  the  head  of  his  horse  and  dashed  away  to  the  right, 
towards  the  animals  which  were  nearly  hid  by  the  bushes.  We 
followed  him,  but  had  not  rode  more  than  one  hundred  yards  be- 
fore we  saw  eight  men,  dressed  in  the  Mexican  costume,  leave  the 
bushes  which  had  sheltered  them,  and  run  towards  their  horses, 
fearing  that  we  should  secure  the  latter,  and  thus,  in  a  measure, 
impede  their  movements. 

"  Whoop  !  "  yelled  old  Nat,  rising  in  his  stirrups  and  waving 
his  hand  ;  "  didn't  tell  yer  so?" 

We  had  the  start  of  the  Mexicans,  and  the  rascals  saw  it ;  so 
they  strained  every  nerve  to  defeat  our  intentions  ;  but  seeing  that 
it/was  impossible,  they  stopped,  raised  their  revolvers,  and  gave 
us  a  volley  of  bullets.  Some  of  the  missiles  passed  in  close  prox- 
imity to  our  heads,  and  one  struck  a  horse,  breaking  the  animal's 
leg ;  and  as  he  fell  his  rider  went  over  his  head  in  a  series  of  evo- 
lutions which  provoked  roars  of  laughter  from  his  companions, 
although  the  men  did  not  know  whether  the  fellow  was  injured 
or  safe  in  his  rapid  flight  to  the  ground. 

As  we  charged  towards  the  horses  I  was  fortunate  enough  to 
pick  out  a  splendid-looking  stallion,  of  a  dark  bay  color,  full  of 
fire,  and  fit  to  carry  an  emperor.  As  we  swept  down  upon  tho 
animals,  I  seized  his  rein,  and  the  prize  was  mine  ;  but  the  others 
were  nearly  as  fortunate,  for  each  man  obtained  a  horse. 

"  Follow  me,"  shouted  old  Nat,  as  he  threw  the  bridle  of  the 
animal  which  he  had  secured  over  his  arm,  and  dashed  off  at  a 
smart  canter  towards  the  hill  on  our  right. 


878  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

We  followed  our  leader  until  we  reached  the  summit,  and  then 
halted  and  dismounted.  We  found  that  Sam,  with  his  wagon, 
had  arrived,  and  was  impatient  fora  chance  in  the  conflict;  but 
old  Nat  was  deaf  to  his  entreaties. 

We  left  the  animals  in  Sam's  charge,  and  after  a  look  at  our 
rifles  and  revolvers,  plunged  down  the  mountain,  or  hill,  shel- 
tered by  trees  and  bushes,  so  that  those  on  the  plain  should  not  see 
us  or  understand  what  we  were  doing.  We  separated  and  scouted 
down  the  hill  until  we  reached  the  plain,  keeping  under  cover  as 
much  as  possible,  while  our  foes  did  the  same.  As  we  advanced, 
the  firing  ceased,  for  the  Mexicans  did  not  wish  to  betray  their 
.positions  unless  they  were  certain,  that  every  shot  would  tell,  and 
we  were  equally  as  cautious. 

We  crept  on  our  hands  and  knees  for  some  two  hundred  yards, 
and  were  nearing  the  position  held  by  Hardcase,  when  on  our  left 
arose  a  wild  yell,  and  there  was  a  rush  of  Indians  towards  us.  I 
saw  one  fellow,  daubed  with  clay  and  yellow  paint,  taking  very 
fair  aim  at  me  behind  a  bush,  and  to  save  him  some  trouble  I 
raised  my  rifle  and  fired.  The  naked  savage  threw  up  his  arms 
and  fell  back,  and  then  on  either  side  of  me  I  could  hear  the 
sharp  crack  of  fire-arms  ;  and  each  discharge  told  of  the  death  of 
an  Indian. 

After  an  attempt  to  flank  us,  and  the  death  of  several  Indians 
in  the  rush,  the  latter  fell  back  discouraged  and  disgusted,  desi- 
rous of  allowing  the  Mexicans  an  opportunity  to  show  their  hand; 
but  this  the  wily  Joquin  was  not  disposed  to  do ;  so,  when  he 
found  that  the  Indians  were  retreating,  he  signalized  his  men  to 
do  the  same.  Of  course  we  followed  them,  but  at  such  a  slow 
pace,  for  fear  of  an  ambush,  that  I  thought  the  Mexicans  would 
escape  us  entirely.  I  wanted  to  rush  on  them,  and  decide  the  bat- 
tle by  quick  blows ;  but  my  companions  were  not  to  be  hurried 
in  their  operations.  They  fought  to  win,  and  manifested  no  signs 
of  impatience  while  crawling  on  their  bellies,  hands,  and  knees, 
behind  bushes  and  trees,  taking  advantage  of  all  inequalities  of 
ground,  now  skulking  behind  a  rock,  and  anon  climbing  a  tree, 
to  overlook  the  field,  and  obtain  a  shot. 

In  this  manner  we  worked  our  way  towards  the  wagon,  and 
when  within  one  hundred  yards  of  it  I  heard  a  yell  on  our  right, 
and  then  several  shots  were  fired  in  rapid  succession.  We  went 
in  the  direction  indicated,  and  found  that  the  Mexicans,  fearful 


AN   INDIAN   FIGHT.  379 

of  being  cut  off,  had  attempted  to  break  through  our  line,  and 
were  rewarded  by  a  loss  of  two  killed. 

We  pressed  forward  as  before,  examining  each  bush  and  tree, 
but  seeing  nothing  to  excite  our  suspicion  until  we  were  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  the  wagon,  and  then  we  caught  sight  of 
two  or  three  dark  skins  dodging  amidst  the  wild  oats ;  but  before 
we  could  obtain  a  shot,  they  disappeared. 

On  we  went,  and  at  last  saw  the  wagon.  We  gave  a  cheer, 
which  was  answered  by  Hardcase  and  his  party,  and  then  started 
to  our  feet  to  walk  towards  our  friends,  thinking  that  danger  was 
passed  ;  but  just  at  that  moment  old  Nat  yelled,  — 

u  Down  with  you,  you  tarnal  fools  !  Do  you  want  to  be  shot 
like  dogs?" 

We  dropped  on  the  instant,  and  it  was  well  for  us  that  we  did 
so,  for  a  shower  of  arrows  flew  over  our  heads,  sent  to  us  by  the 
Indians,  who  were  concealed  on  our  right  in  a  thick  clump  of 
trees  and  bushes,  which  had  not  been  examined  by  those  whose 
duty  it  was  to  attend  to  it. 

Hardly  had  the  arrows  flown  over  our  heads,  when  the  crack 
of  some  seven  or  eight  rifles  was  heard,  each  man  firing  at  ran- 
dom, or  in  the  direction  of  the  bushes  where  the  Indians  were 
supposed  to  be  concealed.  The  shots  were  productive  of  some 
result,  for  we  heard  several  yells,  and  then  all  was  quiet,  as 
though  the  wounded  had  subdued  all  expression  of  pain  for  the 
sake  of  those  who  were  uninjured. 

"  Load  and  for'ard  !  "  shouted  Old  Nat ;  and  with  a  cheer  we 
charged  on  the  bushes,  but  found  no  enemy  to  encounter.  They 
had  vanished,  carrying  their  wounded  with  them  ;  and  so  quietly 
had  they  left,  that  we  did  not  suspect  their  retreat. 

"  Blast  'em,"  muttered  old  Nat,  scratching  his  head,  u  they  is 
cute,  and  no  mistake.  They  kuows  somethin',  they  do." 

"  Let  us  push  on  for  'em,"  cried  Bill,  blazing  with  excitement, 
and  eager  for  a  fight. 

"  Stop  your  noise,  you  fool,"  replied  the  old  hunter.  "  You 
don't  know  what  you  is  talkin'  about." 

'*  But,  dad,  I  want  to  fight  'em  real  bad,"  whined  the  son. 

u  And  don't  I  want  to  fight  'em  too?     Answer  me  that." 

"  I  s'pose  so,  dad." 

"  You  'spose  so.  Do  you  think  that  I  want  to  get  killed,  01 
have  an  arrer  shot  through  me  ?  " 


380  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

u  I  hope  not,  dad." 

"  Wai,  then,  you  jist  mind  me,  my  son,  and  don't  go  off  half- 
cocked.  I  knows  what  I'm  about.  I  don't  push  on  arter  them 
Injuns  and  get  ambushed,  I  don't.  We  can't  chase  'em  through 
all  the  brush  of  Californy." 

Old  Nat  gave  the  word  for  an  advance  towards  the  wagon,  but, 
in  doing  this  it  was  necessary  to  act  very  cautiously,  for  Hardcase 
was  on  the  watch,  and  might  mistake  our  party  for  that  of  the 
enemy  ;  and  if  such  was  the  case,  we  should  receive  a  broadside 
that  would  do  us  much  injury. 

"  Here,  you  Bill,"  said  Nat ;  "  put  a  white  rag  on  your  rammer, 
and  go  for'ard  and  shake  it ;  and  if  Hardcase  sees  you,  tell  him 
we  is  comin'.  Mind  your  eyes,  now." 

"  Whar  can  I  find  the  rag?  "  asked  Bill,  with  a  grin,  as  though 
he  had  puzzled  his  parent. 

"  Eh,  well,  I  don't  know  ;  that's  a  fact.  We  must  have  one.  Our 
friend  here  has  got  on  a  white  shirt,  and  perhaps  Jie  can  spare  a 
piece  for  a  short  time.  That  will  do,"  said  old  Nat,  with  a  grin. 
"  'Taiu't  white,  but  it  looks  some  like  it.  Let  a  piece  come  off." 

I  was  about  to  comply  with  the  request;  but  just  at  that 
moment  I  heard  a  yell,  loud  and  piercing,  and  then  the  discharge 
of  a  rifle,  and  a  second  yell. 

"  By  thunder,  boys,  something  is  the  matter  with  Sam.  Come 
on  ; "  and  old  Nat  rushed  through  the  bushes  towards  the  hill  OQ 
which  we  had  left  Sam  and  the  mules,  team  and  horses. 

As  we  dashed  along  there  was  another  yell,  and  a  shot ;  but 
these  only  quickened  our  steps,  and  at  last,  breathless  and 
nervous,  we  reached  the  foot  of  the  hill,  and  saw  that  Sam 
was  coming  towards  us,  wagon,  mules,  and  horses,  yelling  at 
every  step  ;  while  forty  rods  in  his  rear  were  four  Mexicans, 
running  as  hard  as  possible,  in  hopes  of  getting  a  shot  at  our 
friend,  and  making  a  brilliant  capture  of  their  property  and  our 
own. 

"  A  smart  trick,"  roared  old  Nat,  as  though  in  admiration  of 
the  audacity  of  the  Mexicans  ;  and  then  he  laughed,  and  the  next 
instant  Sam  was  in  our  midst,  yelling  like  a  Camanche  while 
charging  on  a  herd  of  buffaloes. 

We  all  expected  that  we  should  be  ordered  in  pursuit  of  the 
Mexicans,  and  were  not  disappointed. 

"  Mount !  "  shouted  the  old  man.  "  Give  'em  thunder.  No 
quarter  for  the  sneaks.  Kill  'ena  if  you  can." 


A    LITTLE    REFRESHMENT.  331 

We  dashed  np  the  hill ;  but  the  Mexicans,  suspecting  our  pur- 
suit, had  disappeared  before  we  started.  We  thought  that  we 
could  fiud  them,  so  continued  on,  but  when  we  reached  the  summit 
we  could  see  no  one. 

"  Separate,"  shouted  Ned ;  and  we  did,  to  the  right  and  left, 
and  plunged  into  the  woods ;  but  after  galloping  for  a  few  min- 
utes were  compelled  to  give  up  the  pursuit,  for  the  robbers 
were  nowhere  to  be  seen.  They  had  disappeared  in  some  manner 
that  excited  our  surprise,  and  although  we  searched  in  all  direc- 
tions, we  could  not  even  find  their  trail. . 

We  slowly  wended  our  way  towards  the  wagon  which  Sam 
still  had  charge  of,  and  as  we  passed  down  the  hill  Hardcase  and 
my  men  came  out  of  their  shelter,  and  cheered  us  until  they 
were  hoarse.  After  mutual  congratulations  old  Nat  took  me 
aside  for  a  confidential  talk. 

"  You've  got  a  nice  lot  of  traps  on  that  wagon —  hain't  you?  " 
he  asked. 

"  O,  yes  ;  provisions  and  other  things." 

"  And  a  keg  of  whiskey,  of  course." 

"  Yes  —  a  ten-gallon  keg,  for  medicinal  purposes." 

"  That's  it.  Now,  you  see  these  poor  fellers  what  has  fit 
for  us?" 

"  Yes." 

"  You  know  the  day  is  warm,  and  they  is  putty  well  tuckered 
out  —  don't  you  ?  " 

"  They  look  tired." 

"  That's  a  fact.  Now,  don't  you  think  that  a  leetle  whiskey 
would  do  'em  good  —  kinder  bring  'em  up  and  make  'em  feel 
nice  ?  "  „ 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  it.  They  shall  have  a  drink  as  soon  as  we 
come  ti>  the  keg.  It  is  at  the  bottom  of  the  wagon." 

Many  hands  made  the  work  light.  In  ten  minutes'  time  we 
had  got  hold  of  the  whiskey  keg,  and  it  was  welcomed  with  a 
yell  of  triumph.  I  tapped  it,  and  gave  the  boys  a  big  drink  all 
round. 

"  Moderation,"  shouted  old  Nat,  taking  the  quart  pot  from  his 
mouth,  and  drawing  a  long  breath.  "  Drink  decent,  men.  Don't 
make  hogs  of  yerselves.  .A  pint  of  whiskey  is  as  good  as  a  quart, 
if  you  ouly  think  so." 

Some  of  them  did  not  think^so,  for  they  cast  longing  glances  at 


382  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

tins  keg,  and  continued  to  eye  it  until  it  was  repacked  upon  the 
w*agon. 

*  "  They've  had  enough,"  said  old  Nat,  in  a  whisper.  "  If  they 
d:rink  more  they'll  be  uproarious.  Me  and  you  can  take  some  quiet 
fyips  arter  you  has  got  settled.  That's  what  we'll  do,  hey?" 

Up  the  hill  we  went,  the  miners  singing  songs  of  triumph,  and 
pj;nxious  for  more  fighting,  when  Will  came  to  my  side  and  whis- 
pered, — 

"  Where  is  Lilly,  sir?    I  have  not  seen  her  since  your  return." 

The  information  was  enough  to  stagger  me,  for  I  had  not 
missed  her,  being  so  busy  with  other  matters.  I  had  sent  her  to 
the  rear  while  the  fight  was  raging,  and  I  certainly  thought  that 
she  was  with  Sam,  and  therefore  safe.  ,»>?J 

Will  saw  by  my  face  that  I  was  unconscious  of  her  absence. 

"  Good  God !  "  the  lad  exclaimed,  "  it  is  not  possible  that  she 
has  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  Indians." 

I  could  not  imagine  anything  so  dreadful.  I  dashed  to  the  side* 
of  Sam,  who  was  still  driving  his  wagon,  and  endeavored  to  learii 
some  particulars  of  Lilly's  fate. 

"  What —  that  little  feller?  "  asked  the  man.  "  Why,  yes  ;  I 
seed  him  and  talked  with  him  but  a  few  minutes  afore  them  Mexi- 
can thieves  come  sneaking  round.  Arter  that  I  don't  know  what 
become  of  him.  I  had  to  look  out  for  the  bosses  and  myself,  you 
know." 

"  Then  the  Mexicans  must  have  made  him  a- prisoner.  Poor 
boy,  I'll  find  him  if  I  have  to  go  alone." 

I  turned  my  horse's  head,  but  as  I  did  so  Sam  called  to  his 
father  and  whispered  to  him,  and  then  the  old  hunter  bolted  to 
wards  me. 

u  You  lost  that  little  boy,  hey  ?  "  he  asked  ;  "  and  you  is  goin' 
to  search  for  him  all  alone.  Now  don't  you  do  that,  'cos  it's  dan- 
gerous. If  they've  got  the  boy  they'll  keep  him,  and  he  must 
take  his  chance  to  escape  the  best  way  he  can.  You  can't  do  uo 
good  in  huntin'  for  him  ;  so  you  just  come  along  with  us,  and  let 
things  settle  for  a  while." 

I  learned,  by  questioning  Sam,  that  Lilly  had  left  her  horse 
after  fastening  him  to  the  wagon,  and  sat  down  upon  the  brow  of 
the  hill  overlooking  the  valley.  Sam  had  spoken  to  her  but  a 
few  moments  before  the  Mexicans  appeared,  and  that  was  the 
last  he  had  seen  of  her.  I  would  ha^ve  turned  back  and  searched 


LILLY    SAFE.  383 

for  her,  but  old  Nat  would  not  permit  it ;  so  I  was  compelled  to 
ride  on,  with  a  heart  so  heavy  that  it  seemed  like  lead.  AVill 
made  an  attempt  to  cheer  me  up  by  relating  the  incidents  which 
occurred  after  my  leaving  the  wagon.  He  told  me  how  the  In- 
dians had  attacked  them,  confident  of  success  ;  and  how  Jake  had 
used  the  horse  pistols  with  great  bravery,  having  got  so  accus- 
tomed to  gunpowder  that  he  refused  to  shut  both  eyes  when  he 
fired. 

We  were  compelled  to  move  slowly,  owing  to  the  crippled  con- 
dition of  one  of  the  wagons  ;  therefore  we  were  not  more  than 
three  miles  from  the  valley  where  the  fight  occurred,  when  I 
heard  a  loud  shout,  and  on  riding  forward  to  ascertain  the  cause, 
saw,  to  my  great  joy  and  surprise,  that  Lilly  had  made  her 
appearance,  suddenly  emerging  from  the  woods,  and  crossing  our 
path. 

The  rude  miners  frightened  hey*  by  their  boisterous  acclama- 
tions ;  for  her  quiet,  shy  manner  had  won  the  regard  of  the  men, 
and  they  were  shaking  hands  with  her  and  patting  her  on  her 
shoulders  with  heavy  palms  when  I  reached  the  circle  which  sur- 
rounded her.  I  feared  that  she  would  demonstrate  the  joy  which 
she  felt  at  our  reunion,  and  thus  betray  her  secret ;  but  she  did 
not.  She  only  smiled,  held  out  both  of  her  hands,  and  said,  in 
her  native  language,  — 

"  Did  you  miss  me  much  ?  " 

"  More  than  words  can  tell." 

"  I  thought  you  would  ;  "  and  she  made  an  attempt  to  conceal 
the  tears  which  would  flow  from  her  eyes.  "  I  want  to  talk  with 
you  alone,"  she  remarked,  seeing  that  two  or  three  men  hovered 
near  us.  :  . 

I  sent  them  away,  and  then  fell  back  so  that  no  one  could  hear 
what  was  said. 

u  I  have  had  a  strange  adventure,"  Lilly  remarked,  when  we 
were  alone.  "  You  will  hardly  believe  it.  While  you  were 
fighting  in  the  valley  I  was  on  the  hill  praying  for  your  success 
and  welfare  ;  and  so  much  was  I  occupied  that  I  did  not  know 
the  Mexicans  were  stealing  on  us,  until  the  man  who  had  charge 
of  the  wagon  fired  his  rifle  and  started  his  mules.  Then  I  saw 
that  I  should  be  captured  if  I  remained  where  I  was,  and  the 
robbers  would  shoot  me  if  I  ran  down  hill.  I  thought  for  a  mo- 
ment, and  then  crawled  on  my  hands  and  knees  in  the  bushes, 


384  A   WHALEI&Atf's    ADVENTURES. 

'    '•  .» 

and  then  into  the  woods,  where  I  secreted  myself  by  piling 
branches  upon  me,  leaving  a  little  place  so  that  I  could  look  out. 
I  remained  quiet,  listening  to  the  shouts  of  men  and  the  firing  of 
rifles,  until  I  was  surprised  to  see  four  Mexicans  pass  close  to  me, 
running  as  though  they  were  in  a  hurry,  but  stopped  close  to  where 
I  was  concealed.  While  I  watched  I  saw  one  of  the  men  pull 
aside  some  bushes,  and  look  behind  them  ;  and  then  they  stood 
there  listening  until  they  heard  the  shouts  of  your  men  as  they 
reached  the  top  of  the  hill.  Then  they  laughed,  and  went  into 
the  bushes  and  disappeared.  I  was  so  afraid  that  I  did  not 
dare  to  speak,  for  I  thought  that  the  robbers  would  fire  at  me  if  I 
moved.  You  did  not  come  near  me,  and  none  of  the  men  offered 
to,  so  I  had  to  remain  concealed  ;  and  at  last,  to  my  dismay,  you 
left  the  woods.  I  should  have  followed  you,  but  just  as  L.was 
about  to  clear  away  the  branches,  one  of  the  robbers  thrust  his 
head  from  the  bushes  and  watched  your  retreat.  Of  course  I  lay 
perfectly  still,  but  I  was  terribly  afraid  that  I  should  be  dis- 
covered and  killed.  At  last  the  man  who  was  observing  your 
movements  spoke  to  his  companions,  and  then  they  left  the  bushes 
and  laughed.  They  talked  for  a  few  minutes,  and  walked  off, 
going  in  an  opposite  direction  from  your  friends.  I  waited  to 
see  if  they  would  return,  but  as  they  did  not  I  crept  from  my 
place  of  concealment.  At  first  I  thought  that  I  would  run  to 
you,  but  my  curiosity  prompted  me  to  examine  where  the  robbers 
had  hid.  I  pushed  aside  the  bushes,  but  saw  nothing ;  so  I 
walked  on,  thrusting  aside  the  brush  at  every  step,  and  at  last  I 
came  to  a  small  mound.  I  did  not  think  that  it  was  worth  while 
to  go  farther,  and  I  turned  back ;  but  while  turning,  I  put  out 
my  hand  to  steady  myself,  and  seized  a  young  pine.  It  yielded 
to  my  touch  and  fell ;  and  then  I  saw,  right  before  me,  directly 
under  the  mound,  a  large  hole,  big  enough  for  a  man,  on  his  hands 
and  knees,  to  crawrl  into.  I  was  frightened,  but  you  know  I  am 
curious  ;  so  I  crawled  into  the  cave." 

"  You  are  a  brave  little  girl,"  I  said,  in  admiration  of  her  con- 
duct. 

Her  eyes  sparkled  at  my  praise.  No  wonder  —  she  had  not 
recently  received  much  of  it. 

"  I  noticed  that  the  cave  grew  large  as  I  advanced,  and  I 
smelt  the  fumes  of  a  burning  wick,  as  though  the  Mexicans  had 
used  a  caudle  while  in  the  place,  and  had  blown  it  out  when  they 


THE  MEXICAN'S  CAVE.  385 

got  ready  to  leave.  I  should  like  to  have  learned  more,  but  I 
did  not  dare  remain  and  run  the  risk  of  the  Mexicans'  returning." 

It  was  evident,  from,  what  I  had  heard,  that  the  Mexicans 
made  the  cave  a  rendezvous  for  their  leisure  hours  ;  and  if  such 
was  the  case,  was  it  not  probable  that  they  concealed  a  large 
portion  of  their  stolen  property  there  ? 

"  Lilly,"  I  said,  as  we  reached  the  Cross  Forks. 

'*  Yes,"  she  answered,  looking  up. 

"  Don't  mention  a  word  about  the  cave  to  any  one." 

t"  No,  I  won't." 
"  Not  even  to  our  own  companions." 
"  I  understand,"  she  answered ;  and  then  we  were  joined  by 
jld  Nat,  who  was  in  fine  spirits  after  the  adventures  of  the  day. 

"  Allspice,"  said  he,  "  do  you  want  me  to  pick  you  out  a  place  to 
camp,  on  the  bank  of  the  river?  If  you'll  jist  say  the  word,  I'll 
find  a  spot  that  can't  be  equalled  on  the  Yuba.  I  wouldn't  do 
this  for  every  one ;  but  my  boys  has  taken  a  shine  to  you,  and  I 
kinder  like  you  ;  so  we'll  have  you  near  us  for  company." 

"  It  is  a  favor  that  I  would  ask,  if  not  too  much  trouble." 

"  No  trouble,  my  lad,  no  trouble.  We  must  help  each  other 
sometimes.  Near  my  ranche  is  a  good  bar  that  ain't  been  worked 
much.  You  go  there  and  camp." 

*'  Is  there  any  gold  there  ?  " 

"  Gold  !  "  repeated  the  old  man,  in  tones  of  astonishment ;  "  you 
can't  stir  the  sand  without  finding  gold.  You  mustn't  expect  to 
take  it  out  in  handfuls,  'cos  that's  agin  natur ;  but  the  more  you 
dig,  the  more  you'll  take  out." 

It  was  near  three  o'clock  when  we  arrived  at  old  Nat's  house. 

While  the  men  were  dismounting  from  their  horses,  I  whis- 
pered to  old  Nat,  and  said,  — 

"  Shall  I  offer  to  pay  these  men  for  their  trouble  in  saving  my 
traps  ?  " 

"  Don't  mention  such  a  thing,"  was  the  answer.  "  They  lend 
one  another  a  helping  hand,  and  don't  make-  any  charge  of  it. 
But  if"  —  and  here  old  Nat's  voice  fell  —  "  you  have  a  drop  of 
whiskey  which  you  can  spare,  bring  it  out, 'cos  it's  awful  hot,  and 
the  fellers  has  worked  hard —  now  ain't  they?" 

I  was  glad  to  oblige  them.  Once  more  the  ten-gallon  keg  was 
made  to  bleed,  and  once  more  the  miners  drank  success  to  them 
selves  and  all  their  friends,  and  then  to  Oregca  ;  and  while  they 
25 


i 


B86  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

were  doing  so,  Hardcase  started  the  wagon,  and  we  continued  on 
our  journey  towards  the  bar  which  Nat  had  pointed  out.  It  was 
not  more  than  half  a  mile  from  the  house,  on  the  same  side  of 
the  river ;  and  just  back  of  the  bar  was  a  fine  grove  of  trees,  and 
amid  them  we  commenced  unloading  our  team  and  pitching  our 
tents,  and  before  sundown  our  kettles  were  on  the  fire,  singing 
merrily. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

OUR  CAMP  ON  THE  TUBA. THE  SEARCH  FOR  GOLD. A  HUNT 

AND  WHAT  CAME  OF  IT. 

EVEN  before  we  pitched  our  tents  old  Nat  had  visited  us,  and 
gave  us  friendly  advice,  lending  a  helping  hand  when  he  could  do 
so,  and  expatiating  upon  the  beauties  of  our  location.  The  next 
afternoon,  after  the  intense  heat  of  the  day  had  passed,  we  put 
our  two  rockers  together,  and  took  them  to  the  bar  in  front  of  our 
camp  -for  trial.  Every  man  was  anxious  to  dig  the  first  gold, 
yet  we  did  not  know  how  to  go  to  work  to  insure  success.  We 
supposed  that  any  of  the  sand  and  dirt  would  pay,  but  after  wash- 
ing out  some  five  or  six  buckets  full,  we  found  only  a  few  specks 
of  dust,  which  induced  us  to  think  we  had  not  struck  rich  dirt. 
Fortunately  for  us  old  Nat  and  his  two  sons  visited  us  just  at  this 
time,  and  laughed  at  our  efforts. 

"  What  is*you  fellers  at?"  the  old  man  asked.  "  You  is  wash- 
ing out  dirt  what  has  been  through  a  cradle  afore.  Didn't  you 
know  any  better  than  that?" 

We  confessed  that  we  did  not. 

"  Wai,  then,  we  must  show  you.  See  here  ;  you  must  skim 
off  the  top  dirt.  Gold  don't  stop  thar.  It  settles,  and  goes  down 
and  down  till  it  reaches  a  ledge  of  rocks,  or  hard,  blue  clay. 
Thar  it  stops,  and  thar  you  must  look  for  it." 

"  But  suppose  we  don't  find  the  clay  or  the  rocks  until  we  dig 
ten  feet  down?"  I  asked. 

"  Then  you  must  dig  to  that  depth.  It's  hard,  I  know,  but 
without  labor  you'll  not  find  gold.  Come,  let  me  show  you  howr 
to  do  it." 


THE   MINES   OF   CALIFORNIA.  387 

He  took  a  shovel,  and  after  a  careful  examination  of  the  bar, 
commenced  work  near  an  elbow  of  the  river,  at  the  foot  of  a  gulch 
which  lay  between  two  high  mountains.  My  men  saw  that  the 
old  man  was  in  earnest,  and  lent  their  assistance  in  rolling 
out  of  the  way  some  large  stones,  and  then  scraping  off  the  sur-. 
face  gravel.  In  a  short  time  a  space  a  rod  square  was  cleared, 
and  after  going  down  two  feet  we  reached  blue  clay. 

"  Thar,"  cried  old  Nat,  "  now  you  can  find  the  dust,  if  thar's 
any  thar.  But  it's  hard  work,  and  me  and  my  boys  is  dry,  aw- 
ful dry." 

I  understood  the  hint.  I  led  the  way  to  my  tent,  and  brought 
out  the  whiskey  keg.  All  hands  took  a  strong  pull  at  it,  and  left 
me.  While  I  was  putting  away  the  whiskey  Jake  burst  in  upon 
me  like  a  crazy  man. 

"Glory  to  God!"  he  shouted;  "  we  found  'em  —  lots  of  it, 
too,  cap'n." 

"Found  what?  "I  asked. 

"  De  gold.     I  see  it,  and  all  see  it.     Whole  handful." 

The  man  found  his  breath,  after  a  while,  to  tell  me  that,  after 
washing  out  a  few  buckets  of  dirt,  they  had  seen  considerable  gold 
in  the  cradle  —  much  more  than  they  expected.  I  hastened  to  the 
spot,  and  found  that  after  panning  out  the  dust,  we  had  secured 
just  one  ounce  of  coarse  gold,  which  was  doing  remarkably  well, 
and  showed  that  the  dirt  was  rich,  and  well  worth  working. 

A  week  passed  away,  at  the  end  of  which  time  we  found  we 
had  made  good  California  wages  at  gold-digging,  averaging  some 
'two  hundred  dollars  per  man.  Besides  this,  we  had  learned  much 
in  the  short  time  we  had  been  on  the  river,  and  we  felt  more  con- 
fidence in  our  resources.  We  prospected  in  different  places,  and 
found  that  gold  was  to  be  obtained  wherever  we  struck  a  shovel. 
We  had  taken  up  several  claims,  and  held  them  in  reserve  against 
the  time  we  should  require  them  ;  and  although  people  were  nock- 
ing to  the  mines,  yet  our  claims  were  not  disturbed  until  we  were 
surrounded  by  miners,  and  that  happened  some  months  after  our 
commencing  gold  seeking. 

One  morning,  about  five  o'clock,  while  we  were  taking  our 
coffee,  Sam  and  Will  Baker  called  to  see  me,  each  of  them  armed 
with  a  rifle  and  revolver. 

"  What's  in  the  wind?"  I  asked,  as  they  sat  down,  and  helped 
themselves  to  a  dish  of  coffee. 


A    WHALEMAN  S    ADVENTURES. 

We  are  on  a  hunt,"  they  said,  "  and  we  want  you  to  go 
i  us." 

"  What  kind  of  a  hunt?"  I  asked. 

"  Wai,  principally  deer,  although  there's  no  tellin*  what  we 
shall  meet  with  afore  we  returns." 

It  did  not  take  me  long  to  get  ready,  and  off  we  went,  the  two 
huge  dogs,  which  belonged  to  old  Nat,  keeping  us  company.  We 
had  not  travelled  far  before  I  chanced  to  look  back,  and  saw  Jake 
dogging  my  steps.  We  were  then  a  mile  from  camp.  I  stopped, 
and  the  guilty-looking  negro  came  towards  me. 

"  Who  told  you  to  come?"  I  asked. 

"  No  one,  cap'n  ;  but  den  I  s'posed  as  you  wanted  some  one  to 
carry  de  game." 

u  But  who  is  to  cook  the  dinner?" 

"  O,  dat  all  prepared,  and  dey  can  eat  'em  widout  me." 

v  Let  him  come,"  said  Bill.     "  He  won't  do  any  harm." 

So  I  agreed  to  let  Jake  go  with  us,  and  very  glad  the  negro 
was  to  hear  that  such  was  the  result  of  my  deliberation.  He 
pointed  in  a  significant  manner  to  his  horse  pistols,  which  he  had 
placed  in  his  belt,  and  intimated  that  he  would  u  make  'em  tell 
afore  de  day  was  out."  We  scaled  the  side  of  Mount  Misery,  — 
a  steep  hill,  which  separated  us  from  the  next  valley,  —  and  after 
much  sliding,  and  some  bumps  and  bruises,  were  enabled  once 
more  to  follow  the  course  of  the  river,  which  we  did  for  a  mile  or 
more ;  and  then  we  skirted  a  mountain,  whose  sides  were  almost 
perpendicular,  and  up  which  it  would  have  been  nearly  impossi- 
ble for  a  fly  to  crawl.  At  the  foot  were  huge  pines,  and  some 
small  oaks,  the  latter  gnarled  and  stunted,  as  though  crushed  by 
the  former.  At  the  foot  of  one  of  the  latter  we  sat  down  to  rest. 
•The  solitude  of  the  place  struck  me  as  extremely  oppressive. 
Probably  no  human  foot  had  ever  trod  that  dark,  gloomy  valley 
before  our  party  had  entered  it,  and  certainly  none  would  desire 
to,  walled  in  as  it  was  between  the  mountains,  whose  towering 
heights  prevented  the  sun's  rays  from  penetratiag  until  near  noon. 
I  could  conceive  of  no  place  more  suitable  for  the  home  of  grisly 
bears,  and  I  said  so.  - 

"  Wai,  I  s'pect  they  is  near  here,"  remarked  Sam,  in  a  cool, 
lazy  manner,  as  he  lighted  his  pipe,  and  puffed  out  huge  volumes 
of  smoke. 

During   the   time   we   rested,    I   noticed   that   the   dogs    had 


THE   MARKS    OF    A    GRISLY.  389 

crouched  at  our  feet,  in  obedience  to  commands ;  but  at  the  same 
time  they  had  manifested  strong  symptoms  of  rebellion,  fretting 
for  a  dash  into  the  woods,  and  uttering  low,  savage  growls,  be- 
cause they  were  restrained  of  their  liberty.  When,  therefore,  we 
arose  to  our  feet,  the  dogs  bounded  forward  with  delight ;  but 
Sam  speedily  recalled  them. 

"  You  poor  fools,"  he  said,  addressing  the  brutes,  "  do  you 
want  to  be  chawed  up  in  less  than  no  time  ?  If  you  do,  just  run 
right  plump  into  the  mouth  of  a  bear.  That's  all  you've  got 
to  do." 

I  thought  that  the  animals  looked  as  though  they  were  willing 
to  take  their  chance  of  the  encounter,  for  they  were  of  the  bull- 
dog breed,  tough  and  wiry,  with  courage  which  no  man  could 
doubt.  We  penetrated  the  forest  of  pines.  The  trees  did  not 
stand  close  together.  They  were  in  clusters,  with  some  vacant 
spaces  between  them,  as  though  the  monarchs  of  the  forest  did 
not  brook  familiarity,  but  preferred  to  stand  alone.  In  these 
vacant  spaces  were  *oaks,  bearing  acorns,  such  as  the  Indians 
gather  for  their  winter  supply  of  food.  On  these  acorns  bears 
feed,  but  I  was  not  aware  of  it  at  the  time.  We  had  passed  one 
or  two  of  these  places,  when  Sam  pointed  to  a  pine,  and  called 
my  attention  to  it.  The  bark  was  torn  off  in  large  strips,  as 
though  done  with  a  hatchet,  and  the  fragments  lay  scattered 
around  the  trunk  of  the  tree.  It  looked  as  though  it  had  been 
chopped  into  little  pieces. 

u  What  do  you  think  of  that?  "  asked  Sam.  "  Ain't  that  an 
exhibition  of  power?" 

I  asked  for  an  explanation. 

"  That's  the  mark  of  a  grisly,"  he  said.  "  Some  old  feller  has 
been  sharpening  his  claws  on  that  tree.  While  he  was  doing  it 
he  got  kinder  mad,  and  bit  things,  and  I  s'pose  afore  he  was 
through,  he  was  ready  to  fight  any  one,  even  if  it  had  been  his 
own  daddy.  Go  smell  'em,  Bose." 

One  o.f  the  dogs  approached  the  tree,  smelt  of  it,  turned  up  his 
nose,  and  then  uttered  a  low  growl,  as  though  he  would  like  to 
catch  sight  of  an  animal  that  sharpened  its  claws  in  that  manner. 

"  Come  along,"  cried  Sam  ;   u  we'll  find  that  bear  afore  long." 

"  But  don't  you  tink,"  said  Jake,  "  dat  it  would  be  better  if 
de  bar  come  in  search  of  us,  instead  our  goin'  in  search  of  da 
bar?" 


390  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  What !  are  you  afeard  ? "  demanded  the  boys,  who  were 
anxious  for  a  little  sport.  -'* 

"  No,  I's  not  afeard  ;  but  den  I  don't  tink  dat  it's  best  to  be 
too  for'ard  in  dis  matter.  Let  de  bars  alone,  and  den  dey  let 
you  alone." 

We  laughed  and  passed  on  ;  but  I  thought  Jake  had  spoken 
words  of  wisdom,  and  wished  that  my  companions  had  heeded 
them.  As  far  as  I  was  concerned  1  did  not  care  to  take  any  ac- 
tive part  in  the  hunt ;  but  if  I  had  said  so,  it  would  have  been 
known  to  every  miner  on  the  river. 

"  Don't  be  too  anxious,"  said  Sam,  speaking  to  me.  "  We 
might  stumble  on  a  feller  afore  we  knows  it,  and  then  you'd  be 
snapped  up  in  no  time." 

I  was  glad  of  this  advice,  because  it  showed  that  they  had  not 
detected  my  reluctance  to  engage  in  the  hunt. 

"  Why  don't  you  turn  the  dogs  loose?"  I  asked.  "  If  there's 
a  bear  in  these  woods,  they  will  be  sure  to  find  him." 

"  And  the  cuss  would  kill  the  dogs  afore  we  could  get  to  'em. 
But  I's  a  good  mind  to  try  it.  What  do  you  say,  Bill?  " 

"  Remember  what  the  old  man  told  us,  Sam.  If  we  lose  the 
dogs,  we'll  get  particular  thunder." 

u  We'll  run  the  risk,  by  jingo  ;  "  and  as  he  spoke  the  young  men 
loosened  the  straps  of  hide  which  were  fastened  to  the  collars  of 
the  animals,  and  away  they  bounded  towards  a  clump  of  bushes  ; 
and  just  as  we  were  preparing  to  follow  them,  I  heard  a  roar 
like  thunder,  and  then  caught  sight  of  the  two  dogs,  retreating 
towards  us,  closely  pursued  by  a  monster,  all  black  and  white, 
shaggy,  and  strong,  large  as  a  cow,  and  twice  as  heavy.  It  was 
a  grisly. 

"  De  debil,"  yelled  Jake,  jerking  out  his  horse  pistols,  and 
firing  them  ;  and  then  he  struck  for  an  oak  tree,  and  that  was  the 
last  I  saw  of  him  for  some  time. 

When  the  animal  was  first  discovered,  he  was  not  more  than 
three  rods  from  me  ;  consequently  I  had  to  do  my  thinking  mighty 
quick,  and  make  up  my  mind  whether  I  should  run  or  stand  up 
to  the  rack  like  a  hero,  and  be  clawed  in  less  than  two  minutes. 
I  concluded  to  run,  but  not  until  I  had  fired,  and  this  I  did  in  a 
great  hurry  ;  and  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  fur  fly  from 
the  bear's  head,  but  it  made  no  difference  in  checking  the  speed  of 
the  monster.  On  he  came,  and  back  I  went,  turning  like  a  flash 


THE    GRISLY   HUNTS   US.  391 

of  lightning,  and  running  like  a  race-horse ;  and  as  I  sped  on  I 
had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  Bill  and  Sam  take  aim,  and  heard 
them  discharge  their  rifles ;  but  I  did  not  stop  to  see  with  what 
eftect.  I  think,  however,  that  the  bear  did  not  stop  ;  for  I  have 
a  distinct  recollection  that  the  Oregonians  suddenly  ranged  along- 
side of  me  and  attempted  to  take  the  lead,  but  my  legs  were  too 
quick  for  that ;  so  I  put  on  steam,  and  as  I  did  so  I  glanced  over 
my  shoulder,  and  saw  that  the  bear  had  stopped  at  the  foot  of  the 
tree  on  which  Jake  was  posted ;  and  the  reason  for  such  a  halt, 
which  was  acceptable  to  us,  was  because  Jake  had  shouted  in 
loud  tones,  — 

"  Golly  !  don't  run  away  and  leave  dis  child  all  alone.  Don't 
act  as  cowardly  as  all  dat.  Stick  by  me." 

The  dark-complexioned  gentleman  seemed  to  have  forgotten 
that  he  had  run  first  for  the  purpose  of  saving  his  skin,  and  that 
we  had  followed  his  example  with  the  best  of  motives.  But  his 
strong  appeal  stayed  the  course  of  the  bear,  and  enabled  us  to 
pick  out  trees  near  each  other,  and  to  climb  them ;  but  we  were 
compelled  to  leave  our  rifles  on  the  ground,  and  trust  them  to  the 
mercy  of  the  bear,  and  our  existence  to  the  efficacy  of  our  re- 
volvers. 

It  did  not  take  me  long  to  reach  the  first  limb  of  a  pine 
tree,  and  after  I  had  obtained  a  seat  glanced  around  to  notice 
the  position  of  my  companions,  and  found  that  they  were  safe, 
perched  on  the  boughs  of  trees  near  me,  and  apparently  quite 
contented  with  their  situations,  although  I  noticed  with  extreme 
regret  that  they  were  several  feet  higher  than  myself. 

In  the  mean  time  the  bear  stopped  and  cast  long  and  wishful 
glances  at  Jake,  and  such  delicate  attention  nearly  drove  the 
negro  frantic.  % 

After  one  or  two  growls,  as  though  undecided  what  to  do,  the 
bear  came  towards  our  trees,  and  when  within  a  rod  of  us,  halted, 
squatted  on  his  haunches,  and  looked  up  at  his  prisoners,  as  much 
as  to  intimate  that  he  knew  he  had  us,  and  was  determined  to  enjoy 
our  position  ;  but  while  he  was  thus  licking  his  chops,  and  utter- 
ing some  gentle  growls,  which  sounded  as  though  he  had  a  cold, 
caught  by  staying  out  late  nights,  the  two  dogs,  which  must  have 
had  some  good  training,  silently  crept  up  and  attacked  the  grisly's 
rear,  and  I  think  they  nipped  him  with  -their  teeth,  for  the  bear 
uttered  a  roar  that  made  the  trees  tremble,  and  turning,  aimed  a 


392  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

blow  at  one  dog  which  would  have  felled  an  ox,  but  the  animal 
was  too  quick.  He  dodged  and  retreated,  and  then  the  second 
cur  was  chased  a  short  distance ;  but  as  he  could  run  two  feet  to 
to  grisly's  one,  of  course  he  escaped ;  and  the  bear,  seeing  that 
pursuit  was  useless,  turned  and  came  towards  us,  growling  and 
grumbling  as  though  disgusted  with  such  trifling. 

u  Look  here,"  I  said,  hailing  Sam  and  Bill,  who  were  chewing 
tobacco,  and  composedly  squirting  the  juice  at  the  eyes  of  the 
bear,  but  not  hitting  within  ten  feet,  "  do  you  call  this  huntiug 
grislies  ?  " 

"  We  don't  call  it  anything  else,"  was  the  reply. 

"I  think  that  it  looks  as  though  the  grisly  was  hunting  us,"  I 
remarked. 

"  Wai,  'tis  open  to  that  objection,"  Bill  answered  ;  and  just  at 
that  moment  the  bear  walked  near  the  tree  as  though  to  hear 
more  distinctly,  and  while  he  was  cocking  up  one  eye,  Bill  let  fly 
about  a  gill  of  juice,  strong  as  cavendish  tobacco  could  make  it. 
The  saliva  struck  old  bruin  on  the  eye  that  was  upturned,  and 
such  impoliteness  was  followed  by  a  roar  that  partook  of  rage, 
pain,  and  fright,  all  combined. 

The  bear  rolled  over  on  his  back.  He  kicked  and  wiped  his 
face  —  he  clawed  it,  and  bit  the  ground  ;  and  while  he  was  suf- 
fering so  much,  the  dogs  once  more  attacked  him,  and  the  rascals 
bit  his  rump  most  unmercifully,  to  Jake's  great  delight.  For  a 
short  time  there  was  a  confused  mass  of  leaves,  dirt,  fur,  and 
broken  branches ;  and  then  from  a  circle  up  in  the  air  flew  a 
dog,  and  when  he  struck  the  earth  lost  no  time  in  seeking  safe- 
ty in  flight.  His  companion  followed  suit,  and  then  the  bear  re- 
moved as  much  of  the  tobacco  from  its  eye  as  possible,  sat  on 
its  haunches, ^and  growled  at  us. 

"  Are  we  to  stay  here  all  day?"  I  asked. 

"  We  shall  unless  we  can  kill  the  cuss,"  was  the  answer. 

I  did  not  wait  for  further  light.  I  drew  my  revolver,  took 
careful  aim,  and  fired.  I  saw  the  ball  strike  the  monster's  breast ; 
and  in  return  he  gave  us  a  very  fair  specimen  of  boxing,  rearing 
up  on  his  hind  legs  and  waving  his  fore  ones,  as  though  he  ex- 
pected a  blow,  and  was  prepared  to  ward  it  off,  even  if  it  came 
as  quick  as  lightning. 

"  What  in  thunder  are  we  to  do  ?  "  I  asked  of  my  companions. 

"  O,  take  it  easy/'  was  the  reply. 


TREED  BY  A  BEAR.  393 

"  But  the  blasted  bear  will  starve  us  to  death." 

**  I  shouldn't  wonder,"  was  the  answer. 

Perhaps  I  had  better  have  remained  silent,  for  the  monster 
turned  and  came  towards  my  tree,  grumbling  and  shaking  his 
head  in  an  angry  manner.  He  looked  up  at  me,  then  stood 
on  his  hind  legs,  laid  his  fore  paws  against  the  trunk  of  the  tree, 
and  faith,  commenced  moving  towards  me,  but  at  such  a  slow 
rate,  owing  to  his  size,  that  I  thought  he  would  tire  of  it  before  he 
reached  the  bough  on  which  I  was  seated. 

Heavens,  how  old  bruin  snorted  as  he  worked  his  way  up  the 
tree  1  His  breathing  sounded  like  the  puffing  of  a  high-pressure 
steamer,  and  his  breath  was  hot  and  far  from  perfumed,  for  I 
could  smell  it  even  where  I  sat,  looking  down  at  the  monster. 
I  was  fascinated  by  the  grisly's  movements  —  his  blazing  eyes 
and  foaming  jaws ;  and  as  the  bark  which  he  had  ground  be- 
tween his  teeth  had  colored  the  froth  issuing  from  his  mouth,  it 
resembled  blood,  and  added  a  terrible  interest  to  the  rascal's  open 
countenance. 

I  think  that  the  bear  had  climbed  about  two  feet  from  the  ground, 
when  the  dogs  made  another  rush,  biting  his  rear  in  such  a  vigor- 
ous manner  that  the  old  fellow  could  not  stand  the  pressure ;  and 
once  more  he  dropped  to  the  earth,  and  made  an  angry  rush  for 
his  tormentors.  Of  course  they  vanished  in  an  instant,  and  after 
feeling  satisfied  that  such  was  the  case,  bruin  once  more  turned 
towards  his  human  enemies  ;  but  this  time,  by  some  mistake,  he 
struck  the  tree  upon  which  Jake  was  perched,  and  commenced 
nearing  the  negro,  to  the  great  terror  of  the  latter. 

"  Now,  Jake,  look  out,"  said  Bill ;  and  he  fired  at  the  bear. 
The  animal  was  about  three  feet  from  the  ground,  and  seemed  to 
be  at  a  perfect  stand-still,  unable  to  advance,  and  unwilling  to 
recede. 

The  ball  struck  the  animal  near  the  fore  shoulder,  and  must 
have  broken  some  of  his  bones,  for  he  released  his  hold  of  the 
tree  and  tumbled  to  the  ground,  falling  upon  his  back  ;  but  he 
only  lay  in  this  position  for  a-  few  moments.  The  dogs  again  ad- 
vanced to  attack  him,  and  this  insult  added  new  fury  to  his  rage. 
He  was  up  and  striking  at  them  to  the  right,  but  I  noticed  that 
he  did  not  use  his  left  paw,  and  that  he  growled  when  he  rested 
on  it,  as  though  the  pain  was  more  the^n  he  could  bear  without 
manifesting  some  feeling;. 


394  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

As  usual,  the  dogs  vanished  the  instant  there  was  a  chance  for  a 
free  fight,  and  then  the  bear  licked  his  wounds,  smelt  of  them,  and 
gathered  new  rage  by  the  act.  He  looked  up  and  saw  Jake, 
and  that  look  was  sufficient  to  make  the  darky  shake  in  his 
shoes. 

"  Gemmen,"  he  said,  with  chattering  teeth,  "  please  kill  dat 
ole  cuss  afore  he  gets  at  dis  nigger.  He's  arter  me,  I  know.  He 
links  I's  more  tender  dan  de  rest  ob  you." 

We  could  not  withstand  that  appeal.  Three  revolvers  cracked 
at  the  same  time,  and  three  balls  struck  the  bear.  His  rage  was 
terrible.  He  tore  up  the  ground  in  all  directions,  and  howled 
until  the  valley  re-echoed  his  cries. 

I  could  not  help  pitying  the  brute,  for  his  great  courage  made 
me  respect  him.  But  our  lives  were  more  precious  than  his  ;  so 
death  was  sure  to  overtake  him.  We  knew  that  he  would  not 
leave  us,  yet  all  felt  that  the  work  was  nearly  finished,  and  that 
death  would  relieve  the  brute  of , his  suffering.  Once  more  we 
fired.  The  bear  received  the  balls  with  a  shudder.  Fresh 
wounds  were  opened,  and  fresh  streams  of  blood  flowed  to  the 
ground.  Flesh  and  muscle  could  not  stand  it.  The  monster 
sunk  upon  his  haunches,  and  looked  around  with  an  expression 
as  though  asking  what  we  meant  by  such  treatment.  But  he  had 
not  lost  all  his  fierceness.  He  still  shook  his  head  and  growled, 
and  when  the  dogs  ventured  near  him  mustered  strength  enough 
to  aim  a  blow  at  them,  and  to  pursue  them  a  few  steps.  But  it 
could  not  last.  Down  he  went  with  a  crash,  made  a  desperate 
effort  to  .rise,  failed,  and  then  tumbled  upon  his  side,  and  as  he 
went  over  the  dogs  fastened  upon  him  ;  but  the  old  veteran  was 
not  entirely  powerless.  By  a  sudden  blow  he  struck  one  of  the 
curs,  and  sent  him  howling  through  the  air,  to  the  great  indigna- 
tion of  Sam  and  Bill.  So  mad  were  they  that  they  once  more 
fired,  and  the  shots  seemed  to  have  finished  the  career  of  the 
brute.  His  head  drooped,  his  legs  straightened  out,  he  gave  a 
gasp,  and  was  motionless. 

"  Hurrah  for  us  !  "  yelled  Jake.  "  We  finished  'em  at  last ;  " 
and  down  the  tree  slid  the  negro. 

After  gaining  terra  firma  he  danced  "  Juba"  for  a  few  minutes, 
keeping  time  with  his  hands,  and  still  dancing  approached  the 
bear. 

**Yer  dUn't  get   a    chance  at  dis  nigger  —  did  yer?"    asked 


A    DEAD    BEAR.  395 

the  fellow,  with  an  insulting  gesture  and  a  kick.  Then  turn- 
ing, he  called  to  us,  "  Come  down.  Don't  you  be  afeard.  He's 
a  goner." 

He  stood  with  his  back  to  the  bear  as  he  spoke,  and  the  insults 
which  he  had  heaped  upon  the  animal  seemed  to  have  recalled 
its  life,  for  it  suddenly  raised  its  head,  lifted  its  paw,  and  with 
one  mighty  blow  tore  away  the  seat  of  Jake's  trousers.  With  a 
yell,  loud  and  piercing,  the  negro  bounded  into  the  air,  clapped 
both  hands  behind  him,  and  run  for  the  nearest  tree,  shrieking  for 
help.  But  there  was  no  occasion  for  assistance.  It  was  the  last, 
expiring  effort  of  the  bear.  We  left  the  shelter  of  the  trees,  and 
gathered  around  our  prize,  wondering  at  the  strength  of  its  limbs, 
the  length  and  massiveness  of  its  teeth,  and  the  enormous  bulk 
which  it  presented.  We  skinned  the  monster,  and  having  slung 
the  pelt  upon  two  sticks,  placed  the  latter  upon  our  shoulders, 
and  commenced  our  march  for  home.  It  was  terrible  hard  work, 
creeping  over  the  mountains,  with  a  skin  which  weighed  more 
than  a  hundred  pounds ;  but  we  accomplished  it,  and  reached 
camp  just  at  sundown. 

The  morning  after  the  bear  hunt,  I  noticed  that  the  faces  of  my 
men  wore  a  jubilant  expression,  as  though  they  had  heard  some 
good  news ;  but  as  they  did  not  immediately  communicate  it  to 
me,  I  supposed  that  it  was  nothing  that  affected  my  interest. 
Besides,  I  was  too  tired  to  ask  many  questions.  The  hunt  had 
used  me  up,  and  I  felt  as  though  I  wanted  rest.  But  after 
breakfast  Will  and  Jack  lighted  their  pipes,  and  sat  down  by 
my  side  under  a  tree,  near  our  tents.  They  looked  so  mys- 
terious that  I  was  inclined  to  think  something  strange  had  hap- 
pened, and  I  was  not  long  left  to  conjecture  what  it  was. 

44  While  you  was  gone,  yesterday,"  said  Jack,  "  somethin*  hap- 
pened to  us." 

"  Something  of  importance,"  chimed  in  Lilly,  who  "was  close 
at  hand. 

"  Something  that  will  make  you  stare,"  remarked  Will. 

44  Only  us  knows  it,"  continued  Jack. 

44  No  one  else,"  echoed  Will. 

44  Now  tell  me  what  you  mean,"  I  cried,  looking  from  one  to 
the  other  in  astonishment. 

44  You  tell  him,  Will,"  said  Jack.    t4  You  can  do  it  ship-shape." 

"  I  will,"  answered   the  lad.     u  You  see,  sir,  after  you  was 


396  A   WHALEMAN  S    ADVENTURES. 

gone,  yesterday,  we  went  to  work  as  usual,  until  about  eleven 
o'clock,  when  the  kanakas  knocked  off  labor,  and  laid  down  under 
a  tree.  It  was  hot,  and  no  mistake,  and  we  were  all  thinking  of 
following  the  kanakas'  example,  when  Miss  Lilly  paid  us  a  visit." 

"  Yes,  yes  ;  go  on,"  cried  the  girl,  impatiently. 

"  She  sat  down,  looked  at  us  for  a  few  minutes,  and  then  said 
she  wanted  to  try  her  hand  at  digging  for  gold.  *  We  laughed  at 
her,  but  she  insisted,  and  at  last  we  consented.  She  took  the 
smallest  pickaxe,  struck  a  few  blows  into  the  earth,  and  then  — " 

"  I  found  this,"  cried  Lilly,  taking  from  a  bag  a  large  lump  of 
pure  gold,  and  placing  it  in  my  hands. 

I  was  so  astonished  that  "I  could  only  look  at  the  girl  and  at 
the  gold,  bewildered  at  the  magnitude  of  the  treasure  which  she 
had  found. 

"  I  knew  you  would  be  surprised,"  laughed  Lilly.  "  I  wanted 
to  tell  you  last  night,  but  you  were  so  tired  that  we  all  agreed  to 
postpone  it  until  this  morning.  Now,  ain't  you  glad  ?  " 

Of  course  I  was  pleased,  for  the  lump  of  gold,  which  was 
entirely  free  of  foreign  substances,  was  the  handsomest  specimen 
that  I  had  seen,  and  weighed  within  a  few  ounces  of  six  pounds 
troy. 

"  We  thought  it  best  to  say  nothing  about  it,  sir,"  Will  con- 
tinued. "  Even  the  kanakas  don't  know  it.  We  don't  want  the 
miners  crowding  round  us,  and  staking  out  claims  near  our  bar. 
Now,  I  think  that  we  caa  keep  the  secret.  At  least  we  can  try  it." 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

JOQUIN'S     CAVE.  —  A    BARGAIN.  —  AN    EXPLORATION.  —  DEAD 
MEN. A  RATTLESNAKE. FASCINATED.  TREASURES  OF  THE 

CAVE. 

FOR  several  days  we  had  heard  nothing  of  the  doings  of  Joquin, 
and  his  gang  of  robbers.  So  I  thought  it  high  time  to  visit  the  cave 
which  Lilly  had  discovered,  and  see  if  large  stores  of  treasure 
were  not  concealed  there.  But  first  I  consulted  as  to  the  ex- 
pediency of  informing  old  Nat  of  my  project,  and  obtaining  his 


MAKING   A   BARGAIN.  397 

powerful  aid.  The  more  I  thought  of  the  matter,  the  more  in- 
clined I  was  to  trust  him  ;  and  when  I  had  settled  on  the  right 
course  to  pursue,  sent  Jake  over  to  the  old  man's  ranche,  with 
a  request  for  the  Oregonian's  company  for  a  short  time.  He 
readily  obeyed  the  summons,  for  he  smelt  whiskey  as  soon  as  the 
message  was  received.  Therefore,  in  a  few  minutes  old  Nat  was 
grasping  my  hand  in  his  hard  palm,  and  licking  his  lips  in  anticipa- 
tion of  the  drink  which  he  knew  I  would  invite  him  to. 
.  "What  is  it,  my  hearty?"  he  asked,  as  he  threw  back  his 
head,  and  drank  something  from  a  quart  p9t  which  Jake  handed 
him. 

"  Uncle  Nat/5  I  said,  "  I  have  a  secret  which  I  wish  to  con- 
fide to  you,  and  I  want  your  assistance." 

"  Well,  fire  away  ;  "  and  the  old  man  once  more  looked  at  the 
tin  pot,  snuffed  it,  and  put  it  down  with  a  sigh.  I  motioned  to 
Jake,  and  the  negro  once  more  tapped  the  keg,  and  gave  some  of 
its  contents  to  the  trapper.  A  pleased  smile  stole  over  his  rough 
face  as  he  wet  his  lips,  and  then  prepared  to  listen  to  what  I  had 
to  say. 

"  You  recollect  the  time  we  gave  the  Mexicans  a  touch  of  our 
quality?" 

"Don't  I?" 

"  Well,  on  that  day  my  boy  was  lost." 

"  I  know.  You  was  terribly  puckered  about  it,  and  wanted  to 
go  off  arter  him." 

"  Yes,  but  I  did  not,  because  we  picked  him  up  an  hour  after 
he  was  lost." 

"  Yes,  I  recollect." 

"  Well,  while  he  was  absent  he  saw  some  Mexicans  go  into  a 
cave,  and  that  was  the  reason  we  could  not  find  them." 

"  I  see.     Go  on." 

"  Now  I  have  been  thinking  that  we  had  better  visit  that  cave, 
and  see  what  it  contains.  If  we  find  anything  of  value,  iTow  shall 
we  share  it  ?  " 

"  Halves,"  answered  the  veteran. 

u  No,  that  would  not  be  fair.  You  furnish  your  two  sons,  and 
then  you  shall  ha\e  one  third  of  all  that  we  capture." 

The  old  man  mused  on  the  offer.  He  thought  of  the  risk,  and 
the  advantages,  and  then  closed  with  the  proposition. 

<4  I'll  do  it,"  he  said.     "  When  shall  we  start?" 


398  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  To-morrow  morning,  at  an  early  hour." 

"  Good.  I'll  be  ready.  But  not  a  word  of  this  to  the  other 
fellers  on  the  river.  We  must  keep  mum." 

"  I  understand.  We  can  say  that  we  have  gone  out  on  the 
prairies  for  cattle." 

"  Yes,  so  we  can.  Now  I'll  go  home  and  get  ready,  'ccs  if  we 
meet  the  Mexicans  we  shall  have  to  fight  for  it." 

I  selected  Mr.  Topmall  and  Will  to  accompany  me,  besides 
Lilly  to  guide  us  to  the  cave.  All  of  us  were  mounted,  and  all 
excepting  Lilly  carried  rifles  and  revolvers.  Those  I  left  in  camp 
had  not  the  slightest  idea  where  we  were  going.  I  feared  that 
they  might  talk  of  it,  and  thus  expose  the  -Vrhole  project.  We 
joined  old  Nat  and  his  sons  at  the  ranche,  and  left  the  house 
about  five  o'clock,  before  the  dew  was  off  the  grass,  and  before 
the  sun  had  shown  its  hot  face  in  the  valley.  On  we  dashed, 
and  at  last  the  woods,  which  Lilly  had  fled  through,  were  gained. 
We  saw  nothing  suspicious  near  them.  No  signs  of  Mexicans  or 
Indians,  although  we  scouted  in  all  directions  in  search  of  fresh 
trails,  and  then  met  beneath  a  huge  pine,  and  reported  to  old 
Nat  that  the  coast  was  clear,  and  the  veteran  gave  the  word  to 
push  on.  Not  for  a  moment  did  Lilly  hesitate  about  the  course 
to*the  cave.  She  pointed  out  the  way  as  confidently  as  though 
she  had  lived  in  the  vicinity  all  her  life,  and  knew  each  tree  and 
bush  by  name.  At  last  she  stopped,  and  pointed  to  a  heap  of 
dried  branches. 

"  Under  those,"  she  said,  "  I  concealed  myself  when  the  Mexi- 
cans entered  the  woods." 

u  And  the  cave  ?  "  I  asked. 

She  dismounted  from  her  horse,  and  we  followed  her  example. 
She  led  the  way  through  a  thicket,  the  twigs  of  which  looked  as 
though  a  deer  had  broken  them  in  passing  or  browsing.  We 
pushed  on,  and  a  few  paces  brought  us  to  the  quartz  mount  which 
Lilly  had  spoken  of.  As  yet  I  saw  no  evidence  of  the  cave.  I 
only  saw  a  few  dead  bushes,  and  those  were  piled  up  in  a  heap,  in 
a  careless  manner,  as  though  some  one  had  contemplated  setting 
them  on  fire,  and  had  abandoned  the  purpose  for  some  cause. 

"  Whar's  the  cave,  youngster?"  asked  old  Nat,  with  a  sarcastic 
grin  upon  his  face.  He  began  to  doubt  her  power  to  find  it. 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  she  answered ;  and  then  she  commenced 
throwing  aside  the  branches.  Will  and  Sam  assisted  her,  and  in 


JOQUIN'S  CAVE.  399 

B  few  seconds  what  we  sought  was  before  us.  The  entrance  was 
not  larger  than  the  end  of  a  barrel,  dark  and  gloomy ;  but  still 
there  was  evidence  that  it  had  been  inhabited,  for  on  the  ground 
we  picked  up  a  silver  bell  button,  such  as  Mexicans  wear  upon 
the  legs  of  their  trousers.  . 

"  Wai,  by  hokey  !  "  ejaculated  old  Nat,  with  an  expression  of 
wonder  upon  his  face. 

"  There  is  the  cave,"  I  said.     "  Shall  we  enter  it?  " 

"  Of  course,"  all  cried,  in  one  breath.  But  who  would  lead 
the  way  was  the  question. 

We  looked  at  each  other,  and  then  at  the  dark  entrance  to  the 
cave.  No  one  spoke.  How  did  we  know  but  that  the  place  was 
filled  with  Mexicans,  who  would  pick  us  off,  one  by  one,  as  we 
entered  ? 

"  Here,  Bose,"  cried  old  Nat  to  one  of  the  dogs  which  we  had 
brought  with  us. 

The  animal  went  to  him.  It  was  only  necessary  to  point  a 
finger.  The  dog  understood  him.  He  entered  the  cave,  was 
gone  one  or  two  minutes,  and  then  returned,  his  tail  between  his 
legs,  and  every  appearance  of  abject  terror  in  his  looks.  The 
animal  was  naturally  bold.  He  did  not  exhibit  signs  of  courage 
now. 

"  What  does  this  mean  ?  "  roared  old  Nat,  looking  around  upon 
the  group  which  surrounded  him. 

We  could  not  answer  the  question.  It  puzzled  us  as  much  as 
it  did  our  leader. 

"  Go  in,  Bose,"  said  Nat ;  but  the  dog  shrank  away  in  spite  of 
threats  and  blows. 

"  Blame  me,  if  this  don't  beat  all  creation ! "  muttered  Bill, 
with  a  look  of  wonder  upon  his  freckled  face. 

"  It's  the  fust  time  that  dog  ever  refused  to  go  anywhere,"  said 
its  owner,  in  tones  of  astonishment. 

"  Wai,  dad,  it  shan't  be  said  that  one  of  the  family  was  afeard," 
cried  Bill.  u  I'll  lead  the  way  and  see  what's  in  thar." 

The  father  thought  of  the  matter  for  a  moment,  and  then  gave 
his  consent.  He  lighted  a  caudle,  and  with  a  revolver  in  his 
breast,  and  the  candle  in  his  hand,  Bill  started  on  his  explora- 
tions. We  waited  one,  two,  three  minutes,  and  then  heard  a  yell 
which  satisfied  us  that  Bill  had  encountered  something  of  an  ex- 
traordinary nature.  Was  it  a  yell  of  triumph,  or  a  cry  of  fear? 


400  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

The  question  was  soon  solved.  While  we  waited,  listening  eagerly 
for  more  demonstrations,  we  saw  Bill's  head,  and  then  his  body, 
emerge  from  the  cave.'  His  face  was  pale,  and  his  limbs  trem- 
bled as  he  gained  his  feet  and  looked  at  us. 

"  Bill,  my  son,"  asked  the  father,  in  a  soothing  tone,  "  what  13 
the  matter  with  you  ?  " 

"  I  seed,  dad,  O,  I  seed  — " 

"  What,  you  fool?"  roared  the  affectionate  parent. 

"  Two  fellers  what  is  dead,  and  ain't  got  no  clothes  on.  I  seed 
their  ribs  and  bones,  and  then  I  dropped  the  candle,  and  left  in  a 
hurry." 

The  old  man  looked  at  his  son  in  a  scornful  manner,  and  then 
lighted  a  candle. 

u  Come  on,"  he  said.  "I'll  show  you  "that  I  ain't  afeard. 
Allspice,  you  foller  me." 

We  left  Bill  and  Lilly  outside  to  keep  guard,  and  the  rest  of  us 
entered  the  cave,  crawling  on  our  hands  and  knees  for  some  dis- 
tance ;  the  light  of  our  candles  disturbing  several  bats,  which  flew 
over  our  heads  and  dashed  at  our  lights,  extinguishing  one  or 
two,  and  provoking  oaths  of  the  most  emphatic  character  from 
old  Nat  and  Mr.  Topmall. 

"  On  we  goes,"  cried  old  Nat ;  and  after  relighting  our  candles, 
crept  along  until  we  were  suddenly  stopped  by  a  suppressed 
oath  from  our  leader,  and  a  peculiar  whirring  sound,  like  that 
produced  by  a  child's  rattle. 

"  What  is  the  matter?"  I  asked. 

"  Matter  !  "  repeated  old  Nat ;  "  why,  there's  a  cussed  big  rat- 
tlesnake, standing  on  its  tail,  all  ready  for  a  jump,  within  ten 
feet  of  me.  That's  what's  the  matter.  Don't  move,  or  the  reptile 
will  make  a  spring.  We  must  deal  gently  with  him.  Jist  keep 
quiet,  and  I'll  see  what  can  be  done." 

I  obeyed  his  instructions,  but  those  behind  me  did  not.  They 
commenced  retreating  as  rapidly  as  possible  ;  and  I  would  have 
done  the  same  if  it  had  not  been  through  shame  from  deserting 
the  brave  man  in  front  of  me^ 

"  Are  you  still  near  me?"  asked  Nat. 

«  Yes." 

"  Wai,  don't  make  a  noise.  Keep  quite  cool,  and  we'll  yet  'fix 
the  varmint.  He  ain't  goin*  to  make  a  spring  jist  yet,  'cos  he 
don't  like  the  looks  of  this  lighted  candle.  He's  a  little  fearful 


FASCINATED.  401 

of  it.  I've  got  my  eyes  on  him,  and  I's  watchin*  all  his  motions. 
O,  I  tell  you  he  does  look  putty  ;  that's  a  fact.  If  I  could  only 
get  my  revolver  out,  I  might  shoot  him  ;  b-u-t  I  c-a-n-'t.  He 
looks  —  all  covered  with  —  sparkles  —  diamonds  —  I  don't  fear 
him  —  " 

He  paused  as  though  lost  in  astonishment  and  admiration  at 
the  spectacle  before  him.  The  last  few  words  which  he  had  ut- 
tered were  so  disconnected,  and  spoken  in  such  a  monotonous 
tone  that  I  was  astonished,  and  feared  he  was  falling  asleep.  He 
no  longer  seemed  to  have  care  or  fear  —  he  was  indifferent  to  his 
own  fate  and  that  of  others. 

"  Nat,"  I  said,  in  a  low  tone  ;  but  he  paid  no  attention  to  my 
voice. 

As  I  spoke  I  heard  the  ominous  rattle  of  the  snake's  tail,  as 
though  the  reptile  was  an'gry  at  the  sound  of  my  voice. 

The  old  man  did  not  move.     He  did  not  even  answer  me. 

"  Nat,"  I  said  ;   and  I  spoke  louder  this  time. 

There  was  no  response,  although  once  more  I  heard  the  rattles 
and  an  angry  hiss.  The  snake  did  not  like  my  interference. 
What  did  the  silence  on  the  part  of  old  Nat  mean?  It  alarmed 
me.  I  touched  him,  but  he  took  no  notice  of  me.  I  raised  my 
body  as  high  as  possible,  and  looked  over  his  shoulders.  Pie  still 
held  the  lighted  candle  in  his  hand,  but  I  noticed  that  the  arm 
was  rigid,  as  though  stiffened  by  a  stroke  of  paralysis. 

As  I  raised  my  head  the  snake  uttered  an  angry  hiss,  and  its 
eyes  were  like  flaming  carbuncles.  Its  head  swayed  back  and 
forth,  and  its  tongue  quivered  like  an  aspen  leaf,  and  while  look- 
ing I  suddenly  heard  Lilly's  voice  at  the  entrance  to  the  cave, 
calling  on  me  to  come  out  and  save  myself. 

Her  voice  aroused  me  to  thoughtfulness.  I  no  longer  looked 
at  the  snake,  and  as  soon  as  I  averted  my  eyes,  the  old  feeling 
of  dread  and  disgust  took  possession  of  me.  I  should  have  in- 
stantly made  my  escape,  but  would  not  leave  old  Nat  behind. 

u  Come,"  I  said,  speaking  so  loud  that  he  could  not  help  hear- 
ing me. 

As  I  spoke  I  laid  a  hand  upon  his  shoulder ;  but  he  did  not 
move.  Suddenly  it  came  to  my  mind  that  the  man  was  under  the 
influence  of  the  snake.  What  could  I  do?  Old  Nat  was  in- 
capable of  helping  himself,  and  I  would  not  desert  him.  There 
was  but  one  way,  and  that  I  could  attempt.  If  I  failed,  my  friend 
26 


402  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

and  myself  were  liable  to  be  destroyed.  If  I  succeeded  we 
were  safe. 

I  nerved  myself  for  a  task.  I  took  from  my  belt  the  revol- 
ver which  I  carried,  cocked  it,  and  rested  my  elbow  on  old  Nat's 
back ;  then  aiming  at  the  fiery  head  of  the  snake,  I  fired.  The 
report  was  deafening.  The  candle  dropped  from  the  old  man's 
hand,  and  we  were  left  in  darkness  and  smoke  ;  but  before  I  could 
move  I  felt  my  friend's  body  tremble,  and  then  a  sigh,  as  though 
of  relief,  escaped  him. 

"  Thank  God,"  he  ejaculated,  as  though  from  the  bottom  of 
his  heart.  "  You  didn't  do  that  none  too  soon." 

"  Is  the  snake  dead?"  I  asked,  anxious  and  excited. 

"  His  head  is  all  smashed  up.  But  I  can't  talk  now.  I  want 
some  air,  and  a  drop  of  whiskey.  I'm  all  of  a  tremble." 

The  man  was  shaking  as  though  suffering  from  an  attack  of 
ague. 

We  commenced  retreating  out  of  the  cave.  Old  Nat  moved 
rather  slow,  but  at  last  succeeded  in  reaching  the  air,  and  it 
seemed  to  revive  him,  or,  if  that  did  not,  about  half  a  pint  of 
whiskey  did. 

"Boys,"  said  the  old  fellow,  "I  don't  know  what  come  over 
me  arter  I  had  looked  at  that  snake  a  bit.  It  seemed  as  though 
I  couldn't  turn  my  eyes.  It  was  a  putty  sight.  I  never  seed  a 
handsomer  one  in  my  life.  The  cuss  was  all  speckled  over  with 
sparkles  like  gold  dust,  and  the  more  I  looked  the  more  I  wanted 
to.  I've  heerd  tell  of  sich  things,  but  I  never  'spected  to  meet 
with  'em." 

"  Did  you  know  that  I  was  near  you  ?  "  I  asked. 

u  Yes,  I  could  feel  you  all  the  time;  but,  to  tell  the  truth,  I 
wanted  you  out  of  the  way,  'cos  I  feared  you  would  stop  the  fun 
I  was  having  in  lookin*  at  the  varmint." 

Once  more  we  lighted  the  candles,  and  again  commenced  our 
preparations  for  the  exploration  of  the  cave.  Before  we  entered, 
however,  we  took  a  drink  of  whiskey,  and  the  liquor  inspired 
Sam  with  so  much  courage,  that  he  volunteered  to.  enter  the  cave 
and  bring  out  the  body  of  the  rattlesnake,  and  see  that  no  more 
of  the  same  kind  were  in  our  path.  This  proposition  was  ac- 
cepted, and  the  bold  young  fellow  crawled  in,  and  in  five  minutes 
returned  with  the  snake  which  I  had  slain.  It  was  five  feet  long, 
and  had  ten  rattles.  The  shot  which  I  fired  had  passed  through 


IN   THE   CAVE.  403 

Its  head,  just  below  the  eye,  and  killed  the  reptile  almost  in- 
stantly. 

Again  we  entered  the  cave,  in  the  same  manner  as  before,  with 
lighted  candles,  and  on  our  hands  and  knees.  We  crept  cautiously, 
looking  to  the  right  and  left,  for  fear  that  we  should  encounter 
another  snake,  but  did  not ;  and  after  crawling  for  some  twenty  feet, 
sud  lenly  emerged  into  a  spacious  cave,  large  enough  to  hold  thirty 
men,  with  ease.  We  raised  our  lights  and- looked  around  us,  and 
although  we  were  somewhat  prepared  for  the  scene  which  met  our 
eyes,  yet  we  could  not  repress  a  shudder,  for  our  glances  fell  on 
two  skeletons,  both  lying  upon  the  earth,  with  hands  folded  upon 
their  breasts,  as  though  they  had  died  praying.  There  was  no 
clothing  on  the  upper  part  of  the  bodies.  The  flesh  had  fallen 
from  the  bones,  and  the  grinning  skulls  appeared  to  welcome 
us  to  their  strange  sepulchre  with  a  unanimity  far  from  pleasing. 
After  satisfying  our  curiosity,  as  far  as  the  dead  were  concerned, 
we  commenced  an  examination  of  the  premises.  We  found  boxes 
of  claret  wines,  stolen  from  the  stores  of  miners  and  traders,  two 
bundles  of  jerked  beef,  some  garlic,  olive  oil,  and  other  things 
which  were  not  of  much  use  to  the  thieves.  But  we  found  no 
gold,  although  we  examined  every  article  that  was  in  the  cave. 
We  began  to  think  that  the  Mexicans  were  too  shrewd  to  leave 
their  valuables  behind  them,  and  gave  up  the  search ;  but  Will 
continued  it,  and  at  last  commenced  stirring  some  dirt-which  he 
found  in  one  corner  of  the  cave.  We  watched  him  without  in- 
terest, but  all  at  once  he  uttered  a  shout  which  brought  every  one 
to  his  feet. 

u  I've  found  something !  "  he  said ;  and  in  a  few  minutes  he 
moved  from  the  dirt  a  tin  box  —  such  a  one  as  Boston  crackers 
are  packed  in. 

"  Rip  it  open  !  "  shouted  Bill  and  Sam  ;  and  they  crowded  up  to 
see  the  contents,  but  we  forced  them  back  until  all  hands  were 
close  to  the  two  skeletons,  the  horrible  grins  of  which  were  un- 
noticed by  the  excited  men,  all  strongly  impressed  with  the  belief 
that  a  rich  prize  had  been  discovered. 

"  Open  !  open  !  "  was  the  cry  ;  but  for  a  moment  the  fastening 
to  the  box  could  not  be  forced,  and  while  Will  was  searching  for 
it,  we  were  startled  by  hearing  a  groan  of  so  unearthly  a  char- 
acter, that  we  imagined  that  the  fiends  of  the  other  world  had 
visited  the  cave  for  the  purpose  of  making  us  relinquish  our  prize. 


404  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"What's  that?  "asked  old  Nat,  with  a  slight  tremor  in  the 
tones  of  his  voice,  while  Will  stopped  his  work  to  listen. 

There  was  no  answer  to  old  Nat's  pertinent  question.  Who 
could  reply  to  it?  The  sound  did  not  seem  of  this  world. 

"  Open  the  box  if  the  devil  stands  at  the  door ! "  roared  old 
Nat.  "  It's  full  of  gold  dust.  I  know  it  is  by  the  weight.  Rip 
it  open  ! " 

But  as  Will  was  about  to  obey  the  order,  to  our  intense  con- 
sternation, a  second  groan,  more  loud  than  the  first,  greeted  our 
ears,  and  one  or  two  rushed  for  the  passage-way,  as  though  to 
leave  in  a  hurry  ;  but  old  Nat  recalled  them. 

"  Fools  !  "  he  shouted  ;  "  what  is  you  afeard  of?  The  devil 
will  get  you  in  the  open  air  just  as  quick  as  he  can  here.  Don't 
be  afeard  —  I  ain't." 

But  in  spite  of  the  man's  brave  words,  he  showed  some  signs 
of  agitation,  and,  I  must  confess,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  love 
of  gold,  all  of  us  would  have  left  the  cave  in  short  order.  Curi- 
osity and  hope  of  gain  alone  kept  us  there.  We  looked  at  each 
other,  as  though  attempting  to  fathom  the  mysterious  sounds 
which  we  heard ;  but  I  could  see  nothing  but  astonishment  de- 
picted upon  the  faces  around  me.  Had  the  Mexicans  left  the 
dead  to  guard  the  treasure?  and  were  the  dead  performing  their 
duty  in  as  gentle  a  manner  as  possible  ?  The  groans  were  faint 
reminders  that  we  were  trespassing.  If  we  persisted,  what  was 
to  come  next? 

"  Blast  the  grunts  ! "  cried  old  Nat,  as  soon  as  we  recovered 
from  our  astonishment;  "  Open  the  box.  I'll  do  it  if  the  dead 
vagabonds  rise  up  and  oppose  me." 

He  rushed  forward  to  seize  the  box,  but  had  to  pass  the 
skeletons  in  so  doing.  It  seemed  to  me  as  though  something 
Ireadful  was  about  to  happen,  and  therefore  my  eyes  were  turned 
towards  the  dead  bodies.  What  was  my  horror  to  see  the 
bony  arm  of  one  of  them  raised  in  a  slow,  cautious  manner  until 
it  had  reached  an  altitude  of  forty-five  degrees,  then  it  paused 
a  moment,  waved  two  or  three  times  in  a  threatening  manner, 
and  fell  with  a  crash  !  This  was  too  much  for  old  Nat.  He 
uttered  an  oath,  dashed  his  candle  to  the  earth,  and  rushed 
for  the  passage  that  led  to  the  open  air,  and  would  have  gained 
it  if  some  others  had  not  been  before  him  ;  so  there  was  a  jam,  a 
struggle,  and  an  immense  amount  of  fearful  oaths,  and  yet  no 


AN   AWFUL   SCENE.  .  405 

one  could  escape.  The  only  candle  left  burning  was  the  one  held 
by  Mr.  Topmall.  I  had  dropped  mine,  and  stood  staring  at  the- 
skeletons  with  astonishment  and  terror  combined.  Perhaps  I 
was  too  much  alarmed  to  speak  or  run,  although  I  know  that. I 
most  sincerely  wished  that  I  was  on  the  bank  of  the  Yuba  dig- 
"ging  gold,  instead  of  stealing  it  in  a  cave.  In  the  mean  time  old 
Nat  nearly  forgot  his  terror,  and  blasphemed  in  his  usual  lively 
style. 

"  You  infernal  brutes  !  "  he  yelled,  "  if  you  don't  get  off  of  me 
I'll  cut  some  of  your  throats  —  I  will,  by  the  jumping  jingo  !  " 

There  was  no  response  to  this  stirring  appeal.  Bill  and  Sam 
seemed  to  disregard  the  feelings  of  their  respected  parent,  and 
while  they  were  struggling  I  thought  I  saw  a  chance  for  es- 
cape. I  rushed  forward  to  improve  it,  but  just  at  that  mo- 
ment a  heavy  hand  was  laid  upon  my  shoulder,  and  I  was  held 
back.  I  turned,  expecting  to  see  a  grinning  skeleton  by  my 
side,  but  to  my  surprise  I  only  saw  the  smiling  face  of  Mr.  Top- 
mall. 

"  Don't  be  afeard,"  he  said  ;  "  it  was  me.  'Twan't  one  of  the 
dead  fellers.  It  was  one  of  my  tricks  to  try  'em." 

I  looked  at  Jack,  and  then  at  the  two  skeletons  lying  on  the 
ground.  Could  it  be  possible  that  the  former  had  managed  in 
such  an  adroit  way  as  to  frighten  us  almost  into  fits  by  his  un- 
earthly groans  and  demonstrations? 

"  Yes,  sir ;  I  did  it,"  said  the  man,  in  a  whisper.  "  I  jist 
wanted  to  try  'em.  No  harm  done,  you  know." 

I  was  not  so  certain  of  that,  for  near  me  was  a  surging,  rav- 
ing mass,  struggling  to  escape,  and  there  was  a  fair  prospect  that 
all  would  ultimately  succeed. 

"  Jist  hear  me  give  'em  one,"  said  Jack,  when  he  saw  that  we 
were  likely  to  be  left  alone,  with  the  exception  of  Will,  who,  in 
spite  of  his  terror,  would  not  leave  me,  for  fear  I  should  be  spir- 
ited away,  and  lost  to  him  forever. 

u  Yes,  I  must  give  'em  one  for  the  fun  of  the  thing,"  continued 
Jack  ;  and  he  did  produce  the  most  awful  groan  that  I  ever  heard,, 
it  was  so  unearthly. 

"  They  is  arter  us,"  yelled  Sam  ;  and  he  renewed  his  efforts  to 
escape,  even  crowding  his  father  in  doing  so  ;  but  the  old  man 
launched  out  with  one  foot  and  kept  the  boy  at  a  respectful  dis« 
tance  ;  so  in  a  few  minutes  they  passed  from  sight. 


406  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"That's  good  groaning  —  ain't  it?"  chuckled  Jack,  who  waa 
highly  amused  at  the  success  of  his  experiment. 

"  Yes  ;  but  the  next  time  you  practise,  let  me  ask  as  a  favor 
that  I  know  something  of  it  beforehand.  I  don't  want  you  to 
enjoy  all  the  fun." 

"  All  right,  sir  ;  I  won't  forget.  I'm  some  in  the  groaning  line. 
I  larned  it  on  board  the  ship-of-the-line  St.  George,  when  we 
groaned  the  admiral  out  of  the  vessel." 

"  But  how  did  you  manage  that  the  dead  should  raise  one  of 
its  arms?"  I  asked. 

"  Nothin'  easier,  sir.  While  you  was  all  engaged  in  getting 
at  the  box,  I  jist  slipped  a  piece  of  marline  over  the  bones  of 
the  feller,  and  then  stood  back  and  pulled.  In  course  the  hand 
would  go  up,  and  by  a  jerk  I  could  make  it  shake  its  fist.  That's 
how  I  did  it.  Frightened  'em  —  didn't  it?" 

I  was  forced  to  confess  that  it  had  rather  startled  me,  also 
those  who  possessed  more  courage  than  I  could  boast  of.  The 
trick  had  driven  old  Nat  and  his  sons  from  the  cave,  leaving 
Will,  Jack,  and  myself  to  get  along  the  best  way  we  could. 
Luckily  after  Topmall's  explanation  I  did  not  have  that  fear  of 
the  dead  I  had  experienced  when  I  saw  the  skeleton's  hand 
raised ;  so  there  was  nothing  for  us  -to  do  but  to  examine  the  con- 
tents of  the  box,  and  see  if  we  had  found  a  prize. 

•"  Remember,"  I  said  to  Jack,  as  we  laid  hands  upon  the  box, 
"  you  must  keep  this  trick  to  yourself.  It  would  only  cause 
trouble  if  it  was  exposed.  Old  Nat  would  be  furious  if  it  was 
known.  Let  it  pass  as  something  extraordinary.  You  under- 
stand?" 

"'Sartin,  sir.     No  more  tricks.     I  is  on  honor  now." 

We  turned  the  tin  box  over,  and  at  last  found  an  opening.  We 
ripped  off  the  cover  and  saw  that  we  had  indeed  captured  a  prize, 
and  one  of  much  value.  There  were  about  two  quarts  of  gold 
dust,  and  mingled  with  it  were  gold  coins,  and  some  few  pieces 
of  silver.  I  judged  that  there  were  about  five  hundred  dollars  in 
gold  coin,  and  some  twenty  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  dust. 
After  admiring  our  prize  for  a  few  minutes,  we  shut  the  lid, 
lighted  our  candles,  and  examined  every  part  of  the  cave,  but  we 
could  not  find  another  concealed  deposit ;  and  we  came  to  the 
conclusion  that  the  Mexicans  had  placed  all  the  gold  which  they 
had  stolen  in  one  box,  thinking  that  it  was  quite  safe,  and  could 
be  reclaimed  any  time. 


OUR  PRIZE.  407 

While  we  were  thus  occupied  we  heard  some  one  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  cave,  shouting  in  a  lusty  manner  ;  and,  recognizing 
old  Nat's  voice,  we  answered. 

"  Hullo  !  "  he  said.  u  Is  you  dead  or  alive?  Jist  answer  me 
that." 

"  We  are  all  right,  and  shall  be  out  in  a  short  time." 

"  Wai,  come  as  quick  as  you  can.  We  has  had  a  big  scare, 
and  had  enough  of  it." 

We  took  the  box,  and  left  the  dead  and  the  cave.  We  were 
some  minutes  in  gaining  the  open 'air;  but  when  we  found  our- 
selves surrounded  by  our  friends,  and  exposed  to  them  the  box 
which  contained  the  gold,  they  were  delighted  at  the  success  of 
our  expedition,  and  congratulated  us  in  the  most  enthusiastic 
manner. 

u  You  desarve  success,"  cried  old  Nat,  as  he  weighed  the  tin 
can  in  his  hands,  and  mentally  calculated  the  amount  which  it 
was  worth.  "  We  fellers  cut  and  run  jist  'cos  a  dead  man  jerked 
up  one  of  his  bones.  I  don't  understand  it  yet,  and  I  don't  see 
why  you  wasn't  scared  jist  like  us." 

"  We  were ;  but  we  could  not  run,  because  you  blocked  up  the 
passage-way.  After  you  were  gone,  the  groans  and  manifesta- 
tions ceased.  Of  course  we  were  no  longer  frightened.  We  re- 
mained and  secured  the  treasure." 

u  And  a  great  prize  it  is,  and  no  mistake.  But  we  won't  stand 
here  talking  all  day,  about  it.  Let's  back  to  camp  afore  them 
sneakin'  thieves,  the  Mexicans,  comes  on  top  of  us,  and  makes  us 
pay  for  what  we  has  done.  Pour  the  stuff  into  bags,  and  then 
we'll  be  off.  And  remember,"  said  Nat,  as  we  halted  for  a 
moment  on  the  hill  which  overlooked  his  valley,  "  no  one  must 
even  hint  at  what  we  has  done.  If  you  does,  our  throats  will 
be  cut  some  fine  night,  and  we  shan't  know  riothin'  about  it." 

We  all  promised  to  keep  the  secret,  and  then  we  plunged  down 
the  hill,  and  separated  at  old  Nat's  house  ;  the  Oregonian  prom- 
ising to  look  over  in  the  evening  and  settle  the  dividend,  feeling 
perfectly  confident  that  the, dust  was  safe  in  my  hands.  We  rode 
on  and  reached  my  tents  just  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 


408  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

I   AGAIN    MEET   JOQUIN. A    SIGN     SAVES     ME. A     RANSOM    DE- 
MANDED, AND    WHAT   CAME    OF   IT. A   RESCUE. 

AND  now  I  come  to  one  of  the  most  painful  portions  of  my  er- 
ratic life.  That  very  night  I  was  called  from  my  bed  to  visit  a 
sick  miner,  a  mile  below  my  quarters.  In  passing  through  a 
tinck  wood,  I  suddenly  found  myself  in  the  midst  of  a  party  of 
Mexicans,  and  a  commanding  voice  shouted,  u  Halt !  "  On  the 
instant  I  discharged  two  barrels  of  my  revolver,  —  a  preconcerted 
signal  of  danger,  —  for  I  saw  that  I  was  surrounded  by  Joquin 
and  his  gang. 

"  So,"  said  I,  quietly,  to  the  chief,  "  we  meet  again." 

Joquin  started  back  a  "pace  or  two,  but  quickly  recovered  his 
presence  of  mind,  and  seemed  ashamed  of  having  shown  sur- 
prise. 

"You  are  a  cool  one,"  he  said.  "Who  are  you?  —  not  a 
Mexican,  I  swear." 

"  No  ;  I'm  an  American." 

"  I  thought  so.     Are  you  wounded?  " 

"  Thank  the  saints,  no  ;  "  and  as  I  spoke  made  the  sign  of  a 
t  ^ss.  The  robber  chief  noticed  the  act,  as  I  intended  that  he 
shoald  ;  but  his  men  did  not,  and  when  they  heard  me  say  that  I 
was  an  American,  two  of  them  drew  their  knives  and  rushed  to- 
wards me. 

Luckily  for  me,  Joquin's  eagle  eye  fell  upon  them  as  they  ad- 
vanced, and  he  shouted,  — 

"  Halt !     What  do  you  mean?  " 

The  robbers  stopped,  and  pointed  with  their  long  knives 
to  me. 

"  He  is  a  Yankee  and  lives.  Remember  our  vow  —  death  to 
all  Yankees." 

"  Peace,  you  fools  !  "  returned  Joquin,  fiercely.  u  Don't  you 
see  that  he  is  a  Catholic." 


JOQUIN   DEMANDS   TERMS.  .    409 

The  scoundrels  sheathed  their  knives  in  an  instant,  and  I  ut- 
tered a  sigh  of  relief  at  the  sight,  and  vowed  that  I  would  make 
some  recompense  to  the  first  Catholic  church  that  I  saw,  for  thus 
borrowing  a  little  of  its  religion. 

The  party  took  me  to  a  fire,  which  was  replenished  by  throwing 
on  some  dry  branches,  and,  as  the  flames  shot  up,  the  light  fell 
upon  my  face.  My  eyes  met  those  of  Joquin.  We  looked  long 
and  earnestly  at  each  other.  I  knew  what  his  thoughts  were, 
but  I  did  not  interrupt  them.  I  wanted  to  see  if  he  would  recog- 
nize me ;  but  he  had  seen  too  many  faces  to  identify  me. 

"Where  have  I  seen  you?"  he  asked,  at  length. 

"  Can  you  not  call  to  mind  the  time  and  place?  " 

"  No." 

His  men  crowded  around  us  to  hear  the  conversation. 

u  A  few  months  since  a  train  was  on  its  way  to  the  mines, 
when  'it  was  attacked.  The  miners  fought  long  and  well,  and 
after  receiving  re-enforcements,  beat  off  the  attacking  party." 

u  We  should  have  beaten  you  had  not  the  Indians  ambushed 
us,"  the  Mexican  said,  extending  his  hand. 

"  You  are  right,"  I  answered  ;  and  then  I  accepted  his  hand, 
red  though  it  was  with  the  blood  of  my  countrymen. 

"  We  came  north,"  said  Joquin,  "  for  the  purpose  of  removing 
the  treasures  which  we  had  collected  in  a  cave,  but  some  of 
your  countrymen  have  saved  us  the  trouble.  My  men  feel  dis- 
appointed, for  they  are  anxious  to  spend  some  portion  of  their 
time  in  the  cities  and  enjoy  themselves.  They  have  worked  hard, 
and  need  a  little  relaxation.  Our  visit  south  has  not  been  a 
pleasant  one.  The  Yankees  have  hunted  us  a  little  too  close  for 
comfort.  In  fact  we  have  made  but  little  money,  I  am  sorry  to 
state  ;  and  on  this  account  my  men  feel  in  no  good  humor.  Now 
we  have  a  proposition  to  make,  and  I  think  that  jt  is  a  reasonable 
one.  You  shall  furnish  us  with  some  five  thousand  dollars,  and 
then  we  will  release  you." 

Willingly  would  I  pay  the  money  if  I  could  but  escape.  Cir- 
cumstances might  occur,  however,  which  would  release  me  from 
all  obligations,  and  I  silently  prayed  that  such  might  be  the  case. 
If  Nat  and  his  men  heard  my  signal,  I  should  be  free,  and  the  gang 
would  be  destroyed  by  daylight.  Already  there  were  indications  of 
day  breaking,  and  it  seemed  to  my  impatient  spirit  that  my  friends 
must  be  on  their  way,  and  near  at  hand.  Every  moment  of  time 


410    .  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES 

was  precious  to  me  ;  and  as  I  knew  it,  and  the  Mexicans  did  not, 
I  conclude^  to  waste  as  much  of  it  as  possible. 

u  You  must  write  to  your  friends,"  said  Joquin.  "  They  will 
send  the  money  if  they  value  your  life." 

"  But  who  will  take  the  letter?  "  I  asked. 

u  Carlos,  here.     You  can  trust  him  —  can't  you?" 

"  Yes  ;  but  where  will  he  find  you  when  he  returns?  " 

u  We  will  take  care  of  that  point.  Do  you  write  the  letter, 
and  mind  that  you  word  it  strong ;  and  state  that  if  any  attempt 
at  a  rescue  is  made,  it  will  result  in  disaster  to  you.  Now  write, 
for  here  is  paper." 

I  commenced  a  note  to  Will  and  Jack,  stating  in  fair  terms  that 
I  was  a  prisoner,  and  that  the  money  must  be  handed  to  the 
Mexican  without  delay,  as  my  captors  were  impatient  to  leave  the 
country.  I  also  stated  that  no  attempts  must  be  made  to  find  me, 
as  I  had  pledged  rny  word  to  that  effect.  I  put  in  the  latter 
'clause  more  for  the  purpose  of  killing  time  than  anything  else, 
and  it  was  a  most  fortunate  circumstance  that  I  did  so  ;  for,  hav- 
ing finished  the  letter,  Joquin  asked,  — 

"  Have  you  written  all  that  I  requested  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

He  smiled  as  though  he  had  caught  me,  but  said  nothing, 
merely  turning  to  one  of  his  men,  whom  he  called  "  Pedrez,"  and 
handing  the  note  to  him,  ordered  him  to  translate  it,  word  for 
word. 

The  cunning  .fox  !  He  had  not  informed  me  that  he  had  a  man 
in  his  gang  who  could  read  and  speak  the  English  language  quite 
fluently. 

"  ReadJ  read  !  "  cried  the  Mexicans  ;  and  thus  urged,  the  man 
translated  the  note,  word  for  word. 

"  Diablo  !  "  they  exclaimed  ;  "  it  is  as  we  said  ;  he  is  an  honest 
Yankee  —  he  is  not  disposed  to  trick  us  ;  "  and  even  Joquin  suf- 
fered his  features  to  relax,  as  he  nodded  in  approval  of  my 
honesty. 

u  Bien"  cried  Joquin ;  "  let  Carlos  start  at  once.  He 
has  no  time  to  lose.  Pedro  can  accompany  him  most  of  the 
way." 

Hardly  had  he  "ceased  speaking,  when  the  woods  opposite  to 
us  seemed  alive  with  jets  of  flame  ;  and  then  came  loud  reports, 
and  through  the  air  whistled  half  a  score  of  bullets,  which  struck 


LILLY   WOUNDED.  411 

all  around  me,  and  yet.  I  escaped.  I  saw  the  Mexicans  leap  in 
the  air,  and  fall  flat  on  their  faces  ;  and  then  my  eyes  sought 
Joquin,  who  was  standing  beside  me.  For  a  few  seconds  he 
seemed  irresolute  and  undecided  what  to  do.  His  hand  was  upon 
his  pistol,  and  he  half  drew  it  from  his  belt ;  but  just  at  that  mo- 
ment the  men  in  the  woods  uttered  a  yell  of  triumph,  and  dashed 
towards  the  fire,  discharging  their  revolvers  as  they  advanced.  I 
saw  a  light  form  bound  towards  me  with  outstretched  arms  —  I 
noted  the  look  of  joy  upon  her  face  —  I  heard  her  utter  an  ex- 
clamation of  gladness  ;  and  then,  before  I  could  speak  or  interfere, 
the  Mexican  chief  drew  his  revolver  and  fired  at  the  advancing 
girl.  The  next  instant  he  had  plunged  into  a  piece  of  woods  on 
his  left,  and  disappeared  from  sight. 

I  sprang  to  my  feet,  and  rushed  towards  the  kanaka  girl,  but 
I  was  too  late  to  catch  her  form  in  my  arms.  She  had  sunk  to 
the  ground,  and  by  the  aid  of  the  fire  I  saw  drops  of  blood  tric- 
kling from  her  breast. 

"  I  dreamed  of  the  '  Malo  '  last  night,"  she  whispered.  u  It 
was  for  the  third  time.  I  do  not  fear  to  die,  but  I  am  sorry  that 
I  must  leave  you,  for  I  do  love  you  so  dearly." 

"  You  must  not  die,  Lilly,"  I  cried,  in  an  agony  of  sorrow  and 
grief.  "  You  must  live  and  be  happy." 

"  No  more  happiness  for  me  on  earth,"  she  murmured.  "  The 
bullet  has  struck  home,  and  my  hours  are  numbered.  The  Malo 
never  deceives  his  children." 

I  bent  my  face  to  hers,  and  she  touched  my  cheek  with  her 
lips,  sighed  heavily,  and  then  remained  silent  for  a  few  moments. 
I  raised  her  head  and  placed  it  in  my  lap  ;  and  then,  for  the  first 
time,  I  was  aware  that  Jack,  and  Will,  and  Bushy  were  near  me, 
gazing  with  sorrowful  eyes  at  the  scene  before  them. 

"  She  would  come  with  us,  sir,"  whispered  Will.  "  We  tried 
to*  have  her  remain  at  the  tent,  but  it  was  useless.  And  to  think 
that  she  is  the  only  one  of  our  party  injured,  and  yet  two  thirds 
of  the  Mexicans  are  killed  or  fatally  wounded." 

Low  as  he  spoke,  Lilly  heard  him,  and  opened  her  large  black 
eyes. 

"  You  were  in  danger,"  she  murmured,  "  and  I  could  not  re- 
main behind.  I  hastened  to  find  you,  and  as  soon  as  I  saw  you 
I  did  not  think  of  bullets  or  the  robbers.  I  wanted  to  throw  my 
arms  around  your  neck,  and  say  how  glad  I  was  at  seeing  you." 


412 

"  But  if  you  had  waited  a  minute  you  would  have  been  safe." 

"  It  was  not  the  will  of  the  Malo"  she  murmured,  in  a  faint 
tone,  as  though  her  life  was  failing  fast.  "  If  you  ever  see  my 
father,  tell  him  to  pardon  me  for  leaving  him  alone  in  his  old  age." 

"  And  do  you  forgive  me,  Lilly?"  I  asked,  as  I  kissed  her 
cold  lips. 

A  smile  passed  over  her  face,  and  as  it  fled,  she  murmured,  — 

u  I  loved  you  ; "  and  with  the  words  her  gentle  spirit  fled  to 
its  Maker,  and  I  held  in  my  arms  cold  clay. 

It  was  broad  daylight  when  I  arose  to  my  feet,  and  looked 
around  the  late  scene  of  strife.  All  the  dead  were  buried  in  one 
common  grave,  while  the  wounded  were  nowhere  to  be  seen, 
although  I  was  confident  that  I  had  seen  some  before  Lilly  fell. 

"  They  are  all  dead,"  whispered  Will,  who  read  my  thoughts. 
"  The  men  were  so  mad  that  they  didn't  spare  one  of  the  wounded 
robbers.  Only  two  out  of  the  ten  escaped.  One  of  them  was 
the  captain,  I  suppose.  He  shot  Lilly,  and  we  chased  him  for 
half  a  mile,  but  he  was  too  quick  for  us.  I  would  like  to  have 
killed  him  for  your  sake,  and  the  sake  of  the  girl,  but  we  shall 
yet  meet  him." 

Poor  Lilly !  how  life-like  she  looked,  as  she  lay  under  the 
shadow  of  a  stately  oak.  It  seemed  as  though  she  had  fallen 
into  a  pleasant  slumber,  and  was  dreaming  of  some  merry  scene, 
for  a  half  smile  was  on  her  lips,  and  had  rippled  all  over  her  face. 
We  formed  a  couch  of  blankets,  and  laid  her  form  in  the  wagon, 
and  then  I  took  a  horse,  and  rode  to  the  front  of  the  cortege  for 
the  purpose  of  being  alone,  but  I  was  not  so  fortunate.  Old  Nat 
and  Sam  joined  me,  and  opened  a  conversation  by  handing  me  a 
hunting  flask  filled  with  whiskey. 

"  Don't  be  afeard  to  drink  it,"  said  the  Oregonian.  "  It  is 
good.  It  came  out  of  your  keg." 

I  looked  at  him  for  an  explanation. 

,u  Drink,"  he  said,  "  and  then  I'll  tell  you  what  I  did." 

I  really  felt  the  need  of  some  stimulant,  for  I  had  passed 
through  so  many  scenes  during  the  last .  twenty-four  hours,  that 
my  nerves  were  shaken,  and  my  mind  wandered.  It  is  not  to  be 
wondered  at,  therefore,  if  I  did  put  the  bottle  to  my  lips  and  drink 
quite  freely,  and  I  felt  better  for  it. 

"  Yes,"  cried  old  Nat,  as  he  followed  my  example,  "  this  is 
some  of  your  whiskey.  When  the  signal  startled  us,  I  sent  over 


LILLY   DEAD.  413 

to  your  camp,  and  found  that  you  were  gone,  and  borrowed  a 
quart  of  this  stuff  to  last  me  till  I  met  you,  'cos  I  knew  you  would 
be  faint  and  need  it.  'Twas  on  your  account,  you  know." 

I  nodded  approval  of  his  course,  and  the  old  man  went  on  :  — 

"  It  didn't  take  us  long  to  muster  a  force  ;  the  men  came  on 
horseback,  and  were  anxious  to  lick  all  the  Mexicans  in  crea- 
tion. I  gave  'em  a  drink  of  my  whiskey,  —  mighty  mean  stuff,  — 
and  off  we  went  at  a  gallop,  and  we  didn't  allow  grass  to  grow 
under  our  feet  till  we  halted  in  the  woods,  where  we  tied  our 
horses  and  stole  forward.  To  our  surprise  we  heard,  when  we 
came  in  sight  of  the  fire,  Mexican  lingo,  and  we  didn't  know 
what  it  meant ;  but  arter  a  while  we  understood  it,  and  then  we 
come  the  Injun  over  Jem,  and  over  they  went,  and  you  was  free ; 
but  it  was  rather  hard  to  lose  the  boy." 

Upon  reaching  the  camp,  Will  and  the  others  had  removed  the 
body  of  poor  Lilly  from  the  wagon,  and  deposited  it  in  my  tent, 
where  it  was  prepared  for  the  grave.  Bushy,  who  was  useful  as 
a  carpenter,  made  a  coffin  of  such  pieces  of  board  as  could  be 
found  on  the  river,  and  the  kanakas  visited  the  valleys,  and  col- 
lected flowers,  and  strewed  them  on  the  body  and  the  box  con- 
taining the  remains.  We  found  a  suitable  spot  for  the  grave.  It 
was  near  a  waterfall,  and  at  the  foot  of  a  giant  pine,  which  reared 
its  tall  head  aloft,  and  spread  out  mammoth  branches,  as  though 
asking  for  weaker  things  to  seek  its  protection.  It  was  a  fitting 
place  for  the  burial  of  the  gentle  girl,  for,  when  in  her  native  land, 
she  loved  the  water  and  its  music,  as  it  rippled  over  falls  and 
ledges,  and  sang,  on  its  way  to  the  sea,  sweet  hymns  of  praise  to 
the  Creator.  It  was  a  favorite  resort  for  the  girl  when  living, 
and  such  a  place  as  she  would  have  selected  for  her  grave. 

Days  passed,  and  we  again  settled  into  the  usual  routine  of  life  ; 
but  the  place  had  become  distasteful  to  me.  I  saw  that  our  sup- 
plies of  provisions  were  getting  low,  and  that  it  was  necessary 
they  should  be  replenished,  if  we  intended  to  remain  at  the  mines 
during  the  wet  season  ;  so  one  morning  I  called  the  men  together, 
and  asked  them  what  course  they  chose  to  adopt.  We  had  been 
in  the  mines  three  months,  and  during  that  time  we  had  made 
some  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  including  the  nugget  which  Lilly 
had  found.  This  did  not  include  the  sum  which  we  had  taken 
from  the  Mexicans,  aud  I  feared  we  were  collecting  too  much 
dust  to  render  it  altogether  safe,  in  case  of  an  attack.  Somewhat 


414 

to  my  surprise,  they  all  declared  that  they  preferred  to  remain  at 
the  mines  through  the  winter,  provided  they  could  be  assured  of 
a  supply  of  provisions  ;  and  when  I  informed  them  that  I  in- 
tended to  procure  all  that  was  wanted,  they  agreed  unanimously 
to  build  a  house,  and  pass  the  wet  season  as  comfortably  as 
possible.  I  then  unfolded  my  plans.  I  would  visit  Sacramento 
City,  and  invest  some  money  in  provisions,  and  the  balance  of 
the  cash  I  would  place  in  some  securities,  where  interest  could 
accrue. 

This  was  agreed  to,  and  after  I  had  completed  my  business  I 
went  to  San  Francisco,  where  I  met  the  ex-whaleman,  who  de- 
clared I  must  take  up  my  quarters  at  his  house,  and  I  did  not 
decline.  One  day  I  was  walking  towards  home,  about  dinner 
time,  when  a  hand  was  gently  laid  on  my  arm,  and  a  sweet  voice, 
speaking  in  the  Spanish  language,  said, — 

"  My  dear  friend,  how  glad  I  am  to  see  you  !  " 

I  looked  around,  and  my  gaze  fell  upon  as  lovely  a  face  as  I 
had  ever  seen.  I  stared  at  her  in  astonishment,  for  I  could 
scarcely  believe  that  I  saw  before  me  the  mischievous,  roguish, 
coquettish  Constance  of  the  Ladrone  Islands,  who  had  once  played 
me  as  pretty  a  trick  as  ever  woman  was  guilty  of. 

"  May  the  saints  preserve  me  !  "  I  managed  to  articulate  ;  "  but 
am  I  asleep  or  awake  ?  " 

"  Let  me  pinch  you  and  see,"  was  the  laughing  response. 
u  Well,"  she  continued,  "  if  you  are  awake,  let  me  introduce  you 
to  my  husband.  Don  Pedro,  Don  Carlos." 

For  the  first  time  I  glanced  at  the  gentleman  at  her  side.  He 
was  a  tall,  dark,  finely-formed  fellow,  with  a  handsome  face,  and 
Spanish  cast  of  features.  He  had  listened  to  our  conversation 
with  all  the  dignity  of  a  hidalgo  ;  but  when  his  wife  mentioned 
my  name,  his  face  relaxed  its  sternness,  and  a  smile  ruffled  it,  as 
lie  extended  hiL>  hand  and  grasped  mine. 

"  I  can  most  heartily  congratulate  Don  Pedro  on  the  possession 
of  so  much  goodness  and  beauty,"  I  cried, 

"  It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  meet  Don  Carlos,"  the  Spaniard 
said.  "  I  have  often  heard  of  him,  and  desired  to  see  him.  He 
is  not  forgotten  at  Guam." 

"  No,  I  should  think  not,"  cried  Constance.  "  His  bull  ride  is 
still  remembered  by  all  the  tailors,  and  mothers  of  the  town.  O, 
didn't  I  laugh  that  day  !  But  it  is  wrong  to  laugh  at  a  relative  ; 


A   LITTLE    SURPRISE.  415 

may  the  saints  pardon  me  for  my  mirth.  Tell  me,  dear  uncle, 
how  is  your  wife." 

It  was  my  turn,  now,  to  laugh,  and  I  did  so,  to  her  astonish- 
ment. 

"  Speak  !  "  she  exclaimed  ;  "  didn't  you  marry  Dorothea?" 

"  Not  much." 

She  looked  at  me  with  astonishment  and  some  anxiety. 

u  We  heard  at  the  islands  that  aunty  married  a  sea  captain, 
and  we  supposed  that  it  was  you.  The  governor  was  delighted 
with  the  match." 

u  And  yet  I  assure  you  that  I  am  unmarried." 

"  And  Dorothea?  "  cried  the  young  lady.  "You  did  not  deal 
harshly  by  her  ?  " 

"  The  saints  forbid.    You  know  me  better  than  to  suppose  that." 

She  smiled  faintly,  just  enough  to  show  her  white  teeth,  but 
looked  anxious,  nevertheless. 

"  Come,"  I  said,  "  explain  how  you  came  here,  and  I  will  relate 
some  matters  of  interest  to  you." 

"  Willingly,"  she  answered ;  and  then  she  glanced  at  her  hus- 
band with  a  look  of  pride  and  affection,  that  caused  me  to  remem- 
ber the  time  when  she  coquetted  with  me  on  board  the  Helen, 
while  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Guam.  I  stifled  the  sigh  that  sought 
to  find  utterance,  and  listened  to  her  words  with  marked  attention. 

"  Don  Pedro,"  she  said,  with  a  blush,  "  commands  a  Spanish 
ship.  He  sailed  from  Manilla  for  San  Francisco,  by  the  way  of 
Guam.  At  the  latter  place  he  landed  passengers  and  supplies, 
and  of  course  stopped  at  my  father's  house." 

"  And  there  I  learned  to  love  her,"  said  the  captain,  interrupt- 
ing his  wife.  "  I  courted  her  for  six  days,  and  on  the  seventh 
married  her." 

u  And  now  tell  me  of  Dorothea,"  pleaded  the  young  wife. 

u  Come  with  me,"  I  said,  "  and  you  shall  sec  her." 

"  She  is  married  and  happy?"  asked  Constance. 

"  Yes  ;  united  to  a  rich  man,  and  one  who  thinks  she  is  per- 
fection. He  is  no  stranger  to  you.  But  come  with  me,  and  you 
shall  see  your  aunt." 

"  Is  she  as  pleasant  as  she  used  to  be?  "  asked  Constance.  "  T 
know  that  I  bothered  her,  but  it  was  natural  enough.  She  used 
to  fuss  so  much,  and  was  so  anxious  for  a  husband  !  " 

I  remembered  the  days  she  spcke  of  well  enough,  and  I  knew 


416  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

that  she  thought  of  them,  for  her  red  lips  curled  as  though  she 
wanted  to  laugh,  but  did  not  think  that  it  was  proper. 

"  Don  Carlos,"  said  the  lady's  husband,  "you  must  have  passed 
some  pleasant  days  in  Guam,  if  all  that  I  hear  is  correct." 

"  The  happiest  in  my  life,"  I  answered,  with  a  low  bow. 

"  Tell  me,"  she  cried,  "  what  did  you  do  and  say,  when  you 
fonnd  that  aunty  was  on  board  your  vessel  instead  of  myself?  " 

"  Don't  you  suppose  that  I  knew  the  trick  which  you  played 
me  ?  Of  course  I*  pretended  ignorance,  but  —  " 

"  That  won't  do,"  she  cried,  with  an  expression  of  fun.  "  If 
ever  a  man  was  deceived,  I  know  that  you  were.  Don't  deny  it, 
for  I  shan't  believe  you." 

"  As  you  please,"  I  answered.  "  Your  aunt  will  give  you  all 
the  particulars." 

By  this  time  we  had  arrived  at  the  house.  I  let  the  party  in 
with  a  latch-key,  seated  them  in  the  parlor,  —  which  they  sur- 
veyed with  astonishment,  for  it  was  elegantly  furnished  with  rich 
curtains  and  carpets,  paintings  and  statuary,  —  and  then  went  in 
search  of  Dorothea,  who  was  in  her  chamber  dressing  for  dinner. 

"  Come  in  !  "  cried  Mrs.  Myers,  as  I  knocked  at  the  door  ;  and 
in  I  went. 

I  found  Dorothea  was  dressed,  and  just  putting  on  a  collar. 

"  Can  you  guess  who  is  down  stairs?"  I  asked. 

She  shook  her  head. 

u  Don't  ask  me  such  Yankee  questions.  You  know  I  can't 
guess." 

"  What  if  I  should  tell  you  that  some  one  from  the  Ladrones 
had  arrived,  and  was  in  the  parlor?" 

Dorothea  turned  from  the  glass,  and  looked  at  me  in  astonish- 
ment. 

"  Who  is  'em  ?  "  she  managed  to  ask. 

«  A  lady." 

"Constance?" 

«  Yes." 

She  flew  towards  the  door,  but  suddenly  stopped  on  the  thresh- 
old, and  meditated  for  a  moment. 

"  She  must  see  my  diamonds,"  she  cried,  and  turned  back  to 
open  the  box  which  contained  them. 

I  could  not  help  laughing,  and  Dorothea  noticed  it ;  but  she 
liked  me  too  well  to  feel  offended. 


A   PLEASANT   MEETING.  417 

"I  don't  care  for  your  laugh,"  she  said.  "I  want  her  to  see 
that  me  rich,  and  have  plenty  of  money.  Then  she  think  that  1 
have  good  husband." 

"  She  won't  deny  that  after  she  has  seen  him,"  I  replied. 

But  Dorothea  paid  no  attention  to  me.  She  slipped  on  her 
bracelets,  ear-rings,  and  breast-pin,  and  then  went  down  stairs. 
I  did  not  accompany  her,  but  I  heard  the  relatives  rush  into  each 
other's  arms,  kiss,  cry,  make  explanations,  and  all  in  the  same 
breath.  You  or  I  might  not  have  worn  diamonds  in  profusion  at  the 
dinner  table,  but  I  have  no  doubt  we  should  have  shown  them  as 
soon  as  an  opportunity  occurred,  and  that  we  should  have  listened 
to  their  praises  in  the  most  complacent  manner,  and  assumed  an 
indifference  which  we  did  not  really  feel.  But  the  reader  will 
hardly  believe  that  Constance,  in  her  childish  simplicity,  did  not 
know  a  diamond  from  a  piece  of  cut  glass,  such  as  whaling  cap- 
tains used  to  present,  her  when  desirous  of  expressing  warm  senti- 
ments. Poor  child  !  she  had  never  seen  a  diamond  ;  consequently, 
when  the  light  struck  Dorothea's  jewels,  and  a  hundred  jets  of 
flame  flashed  from  their  centres,  Constance  looked  at  them  in 
wonder  and  delight.  At  last  the  could  no  longer  control  her  ad- 
miration, and  exclaimed,  — 

"  O,  what  pretty  pieces  of  glass  you  have  on  your  fingers  and 
in  your  ears  !  Where  did  they  come  from  ?  " 

"  Glass  !  "  repeated  the  horror-stricken  Dorothea. 

"  Yes  ;  such  as  we  used  to  have  given  us  at  Guam,"  continued 
Constance. 

"  Glass  ! "  Dorothea  again  exclaimed  ;  "  why,  they  are  dia- 
monds, my  dear  child." 

Constance  had  heard  of  diamonds,  but  she  did  not  know  their 
value. 

"  Are  they  worth  much?"  she  asked. 

Dorothea  smiled  in  pity  at  her  ignorance  —  such  a  smile  as 
women  assume  when  men  tell  them  they  can  see  no  difference 
between  a  camel's  hair  shawl  and  a  common  cotton  and  wool 
affair,  worth  about  five  dollars. 

"  These  ear-rings  cost  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  and  the  piu  two 
thousand,  while  my  rings  are  valued  at  various  sums." 

Dorothea  spoke  in  as  indifferent  a  tone  as  possible,  but  the 
pride  would  show  itself  by  the  flash  of  her  eyes. 

Constance  clasped  her  hands  in  astonishment. 
27 


418 

"  Here,  iny  dear  child,"  s.iid  the  aunt ;  "  wear  this  for  my  sake  ; " 
and  she  slipped  upon  her  niece's  finger  a  magnificent  brilliant. 

The  u  dear  child  "  commenced  crying,  and  her  tears  were  only 
dried  upon  the  entrance  of  Myers.  He  welcomed  his  niece  and 
her  husband  in  the  most  hearty  manner,  called  for  some  of  his 
best  champagne,  and  made  Constance  drink  until  her  eyes  sparkled 
like  the  diamonds  which  Dorothea  wore. 

On  going  to  the  post-office  next  morning,  several  letters  were 
handed  to  me,  and  on  one  I  recognized  the  handwriting  of  Julia. 
I  hurried  into  a  saloon,  and  tore  the  letter  open,  and  read  an 
epistle  that  caused  me  the  most  intense  anxiety  and  anguish. 
Julia  informed  me  that  the  past  was  forgiven  and  forgotten  —  that 
she  was  sick,  and  desired  to  see  me  with  as  little  delay  as  possi- 
ble. She  did  not  know  if  I  yet  loved  her ;  but  she  .would  can- 
didly confess  that  she  loved  me,  and  had  never  ceased  to  feel  that 
I  was  all  the  world  to  her.  She  now  believed  my  conduct  was 
not  so  bad  as  it  had  been  reported  to  her. 

Mr.  Cherington's  letter  did  not  add  much  to  my  comfort  or 
happiness.  He  said  that  Julia  was  ill,  and  that  it  was  best  that 
I  should  return  to  Honolulu  as  soon  as  possible,  closing  up  busi- 
ness entirely,  and  be  prepared  to  settle  on  the  island.  He  thought 
that  we  had  wealth  enough  to  last  us  through  life  ;  but  he  cared 
not  for  it,  unless  he  could  see  his  child  well  and  happy. 

I  thrust  the  letters  into  my  pocket,  and  returned  to  the  house. 
The  first  person  I  encountered  was  Myers. 

u  How  soon  does  a  vessel  leave  for  Honolulu?  "  I  asked. 

"  A  Spanish  ship,  commanded  by  Don  Pedro,  my  nephew,  will 
sail  in  the  course  of  a  week." 

"  Is  it  the  first  one  that  leaves  ?  " 
-    "  Yes.     Don  Pedro  is  now  in  the  house." 

I  turned  away,  but  Myers  laid  a  hand  on  my  arm. 

"  You  look  agitated,"  he  said.  "  Have  you  received  bad  news?  " 

"Yes." 

"Can  I  assist  you?" 

"  You  can.  Engage  me  a  passage  in  the  Sacramento  boat.  I 
leave  this  evening  for  the  mines." 

"  I  will  do  so.     Is  there  anything  else?  " 

"  Nothing  at  present ;  "  and  I  left  the  room  to  get  ready  for  my 
journey  to  the  miaes,  for  I  could  not  leave  the  country  without 
making  some  arrangement  with  the  men  I  had  on  the  Yuba. 


AT   THE    MINES   AGAIN.  419 

In  the  evening  the  Senate  worked  her  way  through  the  shipping 
and  across  the  bay.  I  looked  over  the  passengers,  and  could  find 
no  one  whom  I  knew  ;  so  I  retired  to  my  state-room  and  rested 
until  morning,  and  then  found  that  we  were  at  Sacramento  City, 
and  that  many  of  the  deck  passengers,  men  who  had  just  arrived 
in  the  vicinity,  were  preparing  for  a  start  to  the  mines,  as  though 
fearful  all  the  gold  would  be  dug  before  they  could  reach 
them.  I  advised  them  to  try  the  Yuba,  but  they  feared  that  I 
was  a  speculator,  so  refused  to  listen  to  me.  I  did  not  waste 
words  with  them,  but  went  direct  to  the  person  who  had 
agreed  to  take  charge  of  my  horse,  the  same  one  I  had  cap- 
tured from  the  Mexicans,  found  the  animal  safe  and  in  good 
condition ;  and,  after  breakfast  at  the  hotel,  started  for  the 
Yuba. 

My  people  were  eating  their  supper  when  I  arrived.  I  entered 
the  room  where  they  were  seated,  and  suddenly  said,  — 

"How  are  you  all?" 

"  O,  de  Lord  !  "  yelled  thfi  negro  Jake  ;  and  over  he  went  with 
two  huge  feet  in  the  air. 

"  Blast  my  eyes,  but  it's  him  !  "  roared  Jack  and  Bushy,  while 
Will  sprang  up  and  shook  hands  with  me  in  the  most  enthusiastic 
manner. 

"  O,  golly  !  whar  did  you  come  from?"  asked  Jake,  who  man- 
aged to  get  upon  his  feet  after  a  desperate  struggle. 

I  answered  all  their  questions  in  due  time,  and  then  intimated 
to  Jake  that  I  should  like  a  specimen  of  his  skill  in  the  cooking 
line,  as  a  ride  of  a  hundred  miles  in  twenty  hours'  time,  including 
all  stoppages,  was  well  calculated  to  give  a  man  a  sharp  appetite. 

u  By  golly,  you  shall  hab  chickens  !  "  cried  Jake  ;  and  he  left 
the  room  to  seize  on  them,  while  the  kanakas  took  charge  of 
my  horse,  rubbed  it  down,  and  housed  it  in  the  storehouse,  with 
an  ample  supply  of  barley  and  wild-oat  straw. 

"  Now,  boys,  tell  me  what  has  happened  to  you  during  my  ab- 
sence," I  remarked,  as  I  took  a  seat  before  the  fire,  and  waited 
for  supper.  The  fumes  of  a  broiling  chicken  were  very  pleasant 
to  a  hungry  man,  and  I  was  congratulating  myself -on  the  pros- 
pect before  me,  and  prepared  to  listen  to  the  yarn  which  the  boys 
would  reel  off,  when  suddenly  there  was  a  loud  knock  at  the  door  ;  • 
but  before  one  of  the  men  could  answer  the  summons,  the  door 
was  forced  open,  and  in  walked  a  grisly  bear  about  as  largo 


420  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

as  a  yearling  heifer,  and  ten  times  more  disagreeable  in  look  and 
form. 

"  O,  de  debil !  "  roared  Jake,  and  jumped  for  a  rafter,  and  we 
all  followed  suit. 

When  the  animal  first  entered  the  hut,  it  walked  towards  the 
fire  quite  boldly,  never  having  met  such  a  sight  before  ;  but  as 
soon  as  it  got  within  heating  distance  it  stopped  short,  and  uttered 
a  grunt  of  surprise,  and  then  looked  around,  as  much  as  to  ask  us 
what  it  meant.  Receiving  no  answer,  and  the  fumes  of  the  burn- 
ing chicken  proving  too  strong,  the  bear  stretched  out  a  paw  and 
made  a  pass  at  the  gridiron  ;  but  meeting  the  hot  coals,  it  uttered 
a  howl  that  bespoke  rage,  wonder,  and  disappointment. 

"  Good  !  "  yelled  Jake,  when  .he  saw  the  brute  smell  of  the 
singed  paw.  "  You  jist  luff  dat  chicken  be  —  will  you  ?  " 

The  bear  turned  its  head  towards  him,  and  exhibited  a  re- 
markably fine  set  of  white  teeth,  and  then  poked  its  nose  towards 
the  fire  ;  but  meeting  with  a  warm  reception,  the  shaggy  brute 
looked  reflective  for  a  few  minutes,  add  then  thought,  most  prob- 
ably, that  a  fight  was  wanted,  and  without  the  slightest  reluctance 
Bruin  pitched  in.  The  first  blow  he  struck  sent  the  gridiron, 
chicken  and  all,  flying  across  the  room,  and  a  lot  of  coals  after 
them,  which  prodnced  a  yell  from  the  gastronomic  Jake.  As 
that  blow  did  not  mend  matters,  or  .prevent  the  grisly  from  feel- 
ing the  effect  of  the  fire,  another  blow  was  aimed  at  the  flames, 
and  then  another,  until  at  last  the  animal  pitched  in  with  full 
power,  and  sent  the  brands  flying  in  all  directions.  But  teeth 
and  claws  were  no  match  for  the  flames  ;  for  although  the  grisly 
rolled  over  the  coals,  and  stamped  them  with  his 'huge  feet,  and 
bit  them,  the  fire  conquered  at  last,  for  the  brute  drew  off  and 
uttered  a  roar  of  agony,  and  that  roar  was  answered  by  a  sharp 
report,  and  looking  down,  I  saw  that  Bushy,  who  had  dove  for  the 
window  at  the  first  appearance  of  the  grisly,  had  reappeared  and 
shot  the  brute  with  an  old  musket  which  carried  a  two  ounce  ball. 

"  Hit  'im  agin  !  "  cried  Jake.  "  He  ain't  got  no  friends  nor 
nothiu'." 

But  there  was  no  occasion  for  a  second  discharge.  The  aim 
had  been  true,  and  the  ball  had  sped  home,  and  after  a  few  kicks 
the  brute  tumbled  over  on  his  side  aud  breathed  his  last.  Order 
was  soon  restored.  The  kanakas  removed  the  grisly,  and  com- 
menced skinning  it ;  and  when  supper  was  over,  and  we  were 


A  CONFERENCE.  421 

seated  at  the  fire,  with  lighted  pipes  and  a  steaming  glass  of 
hot  coffee,  the  question  jvas  once  more  asked  as  to  the  work 
which  the  men  had  performed  during  my  absence. 

"  We  have  done  something"  returned  Bushy.  "  We  has  been 
purty  lucky,  takin'  all  things  in  account.  We  has  raked  out  some 
dust  and  some  chunks,  but  no  such  pieces  as  that  poor  gal  found." 

He  alluded  to  Lilly,  who  was  buried  but  a  short  distance  from 
the  hut ;  and  I  felt  my  eyes  grow  moist  as  I  thought  of  the  poor 
girl,  and  the  love  which  we  had  entertained  for  each  other. 

"  Yes*"  continued  Bushy,  "  we  has  made  things  pay  while  you 
was  gone.  You  see  we  struck  under  the  bank,  and  found  some 
pockets  what  held  out  purty  well.  Get  the  buckskin  bag,  Will, 
and  let  us  see  how  much  we  has  got  to  show  for  our  work." 

Will  arose,  raised  a  plank  near  the  end  of  the  hut,  and  took 
out  a  bag,  and  emptied  its  contents  on  the  table.  I  looked  it  over, 
and  was  somewhat  surprised  at  the  amount  of  dust  which  they 
had  collected.  I  estimated  that  there  was  nearly  twenty  thousand 
dollars  worth,  and  said  so. 

"  Yes,"  replied  Bushy,  quite  gravely,  "  we  think  there's  as 
much  as  that.  .But  we  has  some  more.  Show  him  the  nuggets, 
Will." 

The  lad  emptied  on  the  table  about  three  pounds  of  nuggets, 
some  of  them  weighing  an  ounce,  and  the  whole  combined,  formed 
about  as  handsome  a  lot  of  specimens  as  I  had  seen  in  California. 

"  You  have  done  nobly,"  I  said.  u  I  did  not  anticipate  such 
luck.  But  it  is  hard  work,  this  mining,  and  I  am  tired  of  it." 

No  one  answered  me.  They  all  sucked  away  at  their  pipes  in 
silence. 

"  When  I  think  of  the  comfort  and  luxuries  to  be  obtained  at 
Honolulu,  it  makes  me  feel  homesick,"  I  continued. 

All  hands  uttered  a  deep  sigh.  They  had  thought  of  them  as 
well  as  myself. 

"  I  have  received  urgent  calls  to  return  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands,"  I  continued,  u  and  I  have  already  made  arrangements 
to  leave  California.  If  you  desire  to  remain,  we  can  make  a 
settlement,  and  part  company  on  the  best  of  terms." 

u  How  riuch  might  be  comin'  to  us.?"  asked  Jake. 

L  look^t  over  the  account-book,  and  found  how  much  each  man 
was  entitled  to,  after  deducting  all  expenses. 

"Fom-  of  you  are  entitled  to  six  thousand  dollars  each,  while 
the  kanakas  will  receive  about  three  thousand  each." 


422  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  I  don't  work  here  any  more,"  cried  Jake,  executing  a  break 
down  in  the  Virginia  style.  "  I'm  goiu^  back  to  Honolulu,  where 
I  can  see  some  fun.  I've  got  money  enough  to  last  me  through 
life,  I  has." 

44  The  same  for  me,"  cried  the  Englishman.  "  I  ain't  goin'  to 
stop  here  and  be  eat  up  by  bears,  when  I  has  as  much  money  as 
all  that." 

kt  Where  Captain  Allspice  goes  I  go,"  said  Will,  in  a  quiet  tone. 

"  We  all  say  that !  "  was  the  exclamation. 

"You  had  better  think  of  the  matter,"  I  replied.  "At  '.hs 
present  time  you  are  making  money,  much  more  than  you  can 
hope  to  obtain  in  any  other  business.  I  will  leave  you  here  with 
provisions  and  tools,  and  you  can  pass  the  winter  as  pleasantly  as 
you  please." 

The  men  shook  their  heads,  and  said  that  they  were  firm  in  their 
determination  ;  and  after  a  little  more  talk  I  retired  to  my  bed, 
a-nd  slept  so  sound  that  I  did  not  wake  until  long  after  sunrise. 
When  I  arose  I  found  a  good  breakfast  awaiting  me,  and  to  keep 
me  company  was  old  Nat  Baker,  the  Oregonian. 

44  You've  got  back  safe  from  that  den  of  thieves,"  said  the  old 
man,  as  the  first  salutation,  alluding  to  the  city  of  San  Francisco. 
44  I'm  powerful  glad  to  see  you.  How's  whiskey  sellin'  down 
there?" 

I  answered  the  inquiry  as  well  as  I  was  able,  and  then  the  old 
man  joined  me  at  the  table,  when  I  announced  to  him  m'y  inten- 
tion of  leaving  the  country. 

44  Then  you'll  want  to  sell  what  truck  you  has  here,"  he  re- 
marked. 

44  Yes,  I  suppose  so." 

t4  Wai,  I'm  your  man  to  buy  it.  I'll  take  your  claim,  and  all 
the  truck  you  has,  at  your  own  valuation.  I  can  sell  at  a  profit, 
if  you  don't  ax  too  much." 

So  it  was  settled  that  Baker  should  take  the  hut,  provisions, 
and  tools,  and  pay  a  fair  profit  on  them ;  and  that  forenoon  we 
commenced  taking  an  account  of  stock,  and  before  dark  the 
property  was  transferred,  and  the  money  paid  in  dust,  at  the  cur- 
rent rate  of  sixteen  dollars  per  ounce. 

Nothing  of  note  occurred  on  our  journey  to  the  city.  If  Joquin 
and  his  gang  were  on  the  road,  they  took  good  care  not  to  show 
themselves  ;  so  we  passed  Bear  River  unmolested,  and  there  I  left 


FOR   HOME.  423 

the  party  and  galloped  towards  the  city,  and  made  arrangements 
for  a  passage  to  San  Francisco.  The  next  morning  the  men 
arrived,  and  at  night  we  were  on  board  the  Senator,  and  steam- 
ing down  the  Sacramento  River,  with  every  standing  and  sitting 
place  occupied  with  passengers,  who  were  fleeing  from  the  mines, 
as  though  they  feared  plague  and  famine  combined.  The  winter 
rains  were  considered  unendurable  by  a  large  class  of  miners,  so 
they  were  rushing  towards  San  Francisco,  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing some  kind  of  employment,  even  if  they  had  to  work  for  their 
food,  and  hundreds  were  unable  to  obtain  even  that  poor  priv- 
ilege, consequently  there  was  much  distress  in  all  the  large  cities 
during  the  winter  months,  and  beggars  were  met  at  every  turn. 
We  had  a  hard  passage  down  the  river,  for  the  decks  were  so 
crowded  that  men  could  not  move  or  turn,  and  thus  wedged  in 
they  vented  their  wrath  in  curses  loud  and  deep.  We  had  several 
fights  on  board,  but  no  lives  were  lost,  although  one  or  two  men 
were  somewhat  cut  with  bowie  knives.  I  think  that  I  was  thank- 
ful when  we  landed  at  San  Francisco. 

I  saw  that  the  gold  dust  which  I  had  brought  with  me  was 
placed  in  a  safe  and  locked  up,  that  my  men  were  quartered 
at  some  place  where  they  could  be  comfortable,  and  that  my  horse, 
my  gallant  bay,  which  I  would  not  part  with  at  any  price,  was 
safely  stabled,  and  then  I  turned  my  steps  towards  Myers'  house. 
I  found  Constance  and  Dorothea,  both  of  whom  welcomed  me  in 
warm  terms,  while  the  beautiful  Constance,  bewildering  with  her 
great  black  eyes,  very  politely  offered  me  her  cheek  for  a  salute ; 
but  I  got  the  start  of  her,  and  obtained  a  taste  of  her  red  lips,  —  an 
act  which  caused  me  to  receive  a  box  on  the  ear,  thus  showing 
the  lady  possessed  all  the  spirit  of  her  early  days.  I  gave  them 
an  account  of  my  adventures,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  describ- 
ing my  encounter  with  Joquin  in  such  a  vivid  manner,  that  the 
ladies  looked  the  apprehension  which  they  felt. 

That  evening  I  met  Constance's  husband,  and  he  informed  me 
that  he  should  leave  for  Honolulu  in  the  course  of  two  days,  and 
that  he  would  take  my  men  and  their  effects  at  a  reasonable  rate, 
and  would  gladly  give  me  a  passage  for  the  sake  of  company ; 
which  offer  I  would  not  accept  on  any  consideration  ;  so,  after 
some  mutual  expressions  of  good  will,  a  price  was  agreed  upon. 


424  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

AT  HONOLULU. JULIA  AND  HER  FATHER. 

ONE  morning  —  a  bright  and  pleasant  one  —  I  went  on  deck, 
and  found  that  we  were  close  to  Honolulu,  and  that  a  dozen  boats 
were  pulling  towards  us,  each  one  containing  a  pilot,  thinking 
that  the  Cortez  would  enter  the  inner  harbor,  which  Don  Pedro 
had  no  intention  of  doing. 

It  seemed  to  me,  as  I  looked  at  the  town,  that  I  was  returning 
home  after  an  absence  of  several  years.  All  the  familiar  objects 
were  noted,  and  the  few  changes  that  had  occurred  were  observed 
at  a  glance.  By  the  aid  of  a  glass  I  could  discover  Mr.  Cher- 
iugton's  house  ;  and  I  saw,  with  a  feeling  of  dismay,  that  all  the 
blinds  were  closed,  as  though  it  was  desirable  that  the  apartments 
should  be  protected  from  light. 

"  Perhaps  Julia  is  very  sick,"  I  sighed,  as  I  closed  the  glass 
and  turned  to  the  pilots,  who  were  climbing  over  the  side. 

One  of  them,  a  fellow  with  wonderful  white  teeth,  which  were 
always  to  be  seen  on  account  of  his  smiling  face,  came  aft.  I 
knew  him,  and  he  recollected  me,  and  the  whole  of  his  ivory  was 
displayed  as  he  bowed,  and  touched  his  apology  for  a  cap. 

"Want  a  pilot,  sir?  I  takey  you  in,  and  no  touch  ey  rocks. 
Me  berry  good  pilot,  sir." 

*'  I  can  vouch  for  that,  John,"  I  said ;  "  but  the  captain  does 
not  want  a  pilot." 

I  determined  to  go  on  shore  with  the  kanakas,  and  thus  gain  an 
hour  or  two  ;  for  the  wind  was  light,  and  it  would  be  some  time 
before  the  ship  could  come  to  an  anchor.  I  announced  my  inten- 
tion to  Don  Pedro,  and  invited  him  and  his  wife  to  take  up  their 
residence  with  me  while  they  remained  in  port,  and  to  be  sure 
and  land  in  time  for  dinner,  which  they  promised  to  do.  Then 
I  gave  the  men  who  looked  to  me  for  orders  a  few  directions 
about  the  baggage  and  other  property,  and  over  the  side  I 
went. 


MR.    CHERINGTON   JS   SURPRISED.  425 

At  last  I  reached  the  store,  arid  looked  in.  I  saw  two  or  three 
of  the  clerks  at  work  arranging  goods;  but  I  could,  not  tell 
whether  Mr.  Cheringtou  was  in  his  counting-room,  on  account  of 
the  door  being  closed.  For  a  few  minutes  I  hesitated,  and 
walked  up  and  down  the  street ;  but  at  last  I  pulled  my  hat  over 
my  eyes  and  entered  the  store.  One  of  the  young  men  looked  up 
and  came  towards  me,  thinking  that  I  was  a  customer.  I  saw 
that  he  did  not  recognize  me,  so  much  had  I  altered  in  the  course 
of  a  year  ;  so  I  pushed  on  towards  the  counting-room. 

"Do  you  wish  to  see  Mr.  Cherington,  sir?"  the  young  man 
asked. 

"  Yes." 

"  He  is  in  the  counting-room,  and  very  busy.  Unless  your 
business  is  of  some  importance  — " 

I  did  not  answer.  I  pushed  on  and  opened  the  counting-room 
door,  much  to  the  astonishment  of  the  clerk,  who  stared  after  me 
with  open  mouth,  surprised  that  I  did  not  take  the  hint  and  con- 
fide my  business  to  him.  . 

As  I  opened  the  door  I  saw  Mr.  Cherington  sitting  at  his  desk, 
with  his  back  towards  me.  He  did  not  appear  to  be  occupied, 
but  seemed  reflecting ;  for  although  a  ledger  was  open  before  him 
he  was  not  looking  at  it,  neither  did  he  have  a  pen  in  his  hand. 

For  a  moment  I  stood  at  the  door  and  looked  at  him.  He 
thought  that  a  clerk  had  entered,  and,  without  looking  around, 
asked,  — 

"  Is  it  known  what  vessel  is  in  the  offing?  " 

"  A  Spanish  ship,"  I  answered,  in  a  voice  resembling  the 
clerk's. 

"  O  !  "  and  the  old  gentleman  manifested  a  sign  of  impatience. 
"  I  don't  suppose  Charles  would  come  from  California  in  a  Span- 
ish ship.  If  he  were  as  impatient  to  come  home  as  I  am  to  see 
him.  he  would  have  been  here  a  month  ago." 

"  But  he  is  as  impatient  as  yourself,"  I  said,  in  a  natural  tone, 
which  caused  Mr.  Cheriugton  to  start  up  in  surprise,  to  turn 
around,  to  utter  an  exclamation  of  joy  when  he  saw  my  face,  and 
then  to  seize  both  of  my  hands  and  shake  them,  as  though  he  had 
entered  into  a  contract  for  exercise,  and  was  determined  to  do 
his  duty. 

"  Charles,  where  did  you  come  from  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Cherington, 
as  soon  as  he  could  speak;  and  he  patted  me  on  the  back,  and 


426  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

rubbed  his  palms,  and  then  shook  hands  once  more,  and  would 
not  wait  for  me  to  answer  him,  but  continued  to  ask  questions  iu 
the  most  insane  manner,  the  whole  interspersed  with  the  waving 
and  frequent  use  of  a  red  silk  handkerchief. 

"  In  the  first  place,  I  arrived  in  the  Spanish  ship  which  you 
noticed  in  the  offing  this  morning,"  I  replied.  4*  I  took  the  first 
vessel  that  left  San  Francisco  ;  and  here  I  am,  delighted  to  see 
/ou,  yet  fcirful  of  asking  one  question." 

"  Ask  it,  my  boy,  ask  it,"  cried  Mr.  Cherington. 

44  Julia,"  I  said,  in  a  faltering  tone,  —  "  tell  me  of  her." 

44  She  is  better,  and  your  return  will  render  her  recovery  com- 
plete. Come  and  see  her.  Let  us  lose  no  time,  for  I  know  that 
you  are  impatient." 

I  looked  at  my  dress,  and  wondered  if  I  appeared  well  enough. 
The  old  gentleman  read  my  thoughts,  and  laughed  at  them. 

"  Come  along,  you  foolish  boy,"  he  said ;  "  your  dress  is  good 
enough." 

"  Perhaps  Julia  is  not  ready  to  see  me,  and  she  may  not 
care  to." 

"  Nonsense  !  She  is  not  strong,  but  she  is  up  and  dressed,  and 
has  been  since  six  o'clock.  Come  along.  All  the  past  will  be 
forgotten.  Let  the  future  be  bright,  and  I  am  content." 

He  seized  my  arm,  and  left  the  counting-room  ;  and  as  we 
walked  through  the  streets,  asked  me  innumerable  questions  re- 
garding the  course  which  I  had  pursued  in  California;  for,  in 
spite  of  his  eagerness  to  have  me  reach  home,  he  was  not  deaf  to 
all  ideas  of  pecuniary  considerations,  and  was,  therefore,  quite 
delighted  when  I  told  him' that  my  success  had  been  of  the  most 
satisfactory  nature. 

But  suddenly  the  old  gentleman  stopped  in  the  street  and  laid 
his  hand  on  my  shoulder,  while  he  looked  me  in  the  face  very 
attentively  and  very  seriously. 

44  Charles,"  he  said,  '*  before  you  see  Julia,  answer  me  one 
question.  Is  that  kanaka  girl  on  board  the  Spanish  ship?" 

"  No,  sir  ;  she  is  not." 

44  Ah  !  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.     Have  you  parted  company  ?  " 

u  Yes,"  I  answered  ;  while  a  feeling  of  sadness  stole  over  me, 
as  I  recollected  that  the  remains  of  the  poor  girl  were  lying  on 
the  bank  of  the  Yuba. 

44  There  is  no  prospect  of  your  meeting  once  more  ?  "  asked  the 
old  gentleman. 


SATISFACTORY  EXPLANATIONS.  427 

"  Not  unless  we  meet  in  heaven,  sir,"  I  answered. 

"  Ah  !  I  am  willing  to  run  that  risk  ;  "  and  I  thought  that  the 
old  gentleman  looked  quite  satisfied.  "  She  is  dead  —  is  she?" 
Mr.  Cherington  continued.  , 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  Ah,  well  1  we  must  all  die  some  time,  and  must  feel  resigned 
to  it.  If  that  girl  had  come  with  you  I 'don't  think  Julia  would 
have  cared  much  for  a  reconciliation,  for  you  know  that  you 
have  acted  wrong." 

u  Lilly  was  as  pure  as  — "  I  commenced  replying,  but  Mr. 
Cherington  stopped  me. 

u  I  know  all  that  you  would  say.  It  is  customary  for  the  peo- 
ple of  Honolulu  to  make  mistakes  and  excuses.  It's  the  climate, 
I  suppose  ;  but  sometimes  young  ladies  doubt  assertions  which 
young  gentlemen  make.  If  Julia  does  not  speak  of  the  girl,  I 
don't  think  I  should  allude  to  her.  You  understand ;  "  and  we 
resumed  our  walk. 

"  Tell  me  how  it  happened  that  Julia  changed  her  mind  in  re- 
gard to  my  doings,"  I  said. 

*  We  received  letters  from  a  Mr.  Myers  and  his  wife,  stating 
that  they  had  known  you  for  a  long  time,  and  that  you  had  been 
most  shamefully  misrepresented.  The  lady  said  that  your  con- 
stancy was  of  the  most  enduring  kind ;  and  so  earnestly  did  she 
write,  that  Julia  was  satisfied  you  had  been  wronged,  and  I  really 
began  to  take  a  different  view  of  the  matter.  But  who  are  the 
parties?  do  I  know  them?  " 

"  Very  respectable  people,  and  very  rich,"  I  said. 

"  O,  I  am  glad  to  hear  it.  I  should  be  most  happy  to  see 
them  in  Hoaolulu." 

I  thought  that  the  reputed  wealth  of  Myers  would  touch  the 
old  man's  fancy  ;  but  before  he  could  ask  another  question  we  were 
at  the  door  of  his  house. 

"  You  wait  here  for  a  few  minutes,"  the  old  gentleman  said, 
pushing  me  into  the  parlor.  u  I  will  find  Julia,  and  prepare  her 
for  the  interview."  She  is  .not  strong,  you  must  recollect." 

He  left  me,  and  was  gone  ten  minutes.  When  he  returned, 
he  said,  — 

u  She  will  come  to  you  in  a  minute.  Now  I  will  take  myself 
off;  "  and  he  was  about  \o  leave  me,  when  I  requested  him  to 
Bend  his  carriage  for  J)on  Pedro  and  wife,  and  to  receive  them 


428  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

in  case  I  was  not  at  the  landing ;  all  of  which  he  promised  to  do, 
and  then  left  the  house. 

I  waited  with  a  beating  heart  for  a  few  moments,  and  then 
heard  a  rustle  on  the  stairs,  a  light  step,  and  the  next  instant 
Julia  had  entered  the  jparlor,  was  encircled  in  my  arms  and  folded 
to  my  heart. 

For  some  time  we  did  not  speak.  How  long  we  remained 
silent  I  have  not  the  slightest  idea,  for  under  such  circumstances 
as  my  meeting  with  Julia  hours  seemed  like  moments,  so  quickly 
did  time  fly.  I  know  that  I  kissed  her  lips,  and  as  I  did  so  her 
eyes  were  shedding  tears,  for  I  felt  the  drops  on  my  cheeks.  I 
led  the  precious  girl  to  a  sofa,  and  took  a  seat  by  her  side  ;  as  I 
did  so,  she  softly  whispered,  — 

u  You  have  returned  to  me  in  good  health  —  have  you  not, 
Charles?" 

"  Yes ;  I  left  San  Francisco  as  soon  as  I  could  obtain  a  pas- 
sage after  receiving  your  letter." 

"  And  you  do  not  think  me  bold  in  writing  such  a  letter  as  I 
did?"  she  asked. 

kt  No,  indeed.  I  was  delighted  with  it.  How  could  I  help 
being  so  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know.     We  did  not  part  the  best  of  friends." 

"  But  ,we  meet  as  friends." 

"  Yes  !     O,  yes  !  " 

"  As  lovers?"  I  whispered. 

She  pressed  my  hand,  but  did  not  reply.  I  considered  that  a 
sufficient  answer  for  all  practical  purposes,  and  so  did  Julia ;  for 
she  smiled  at  my  demonstrations  of  delight,  and  rebuked  me  for 
daring  to  kiss  her. 

"  You  have  been  ill,  darling?"  I  asked,  as  I  marked  how  thin 
was  her  face,  and  how  pale  it  looked. 

"  Yes  ;  I  was  quite  ill." 

"  And  what  caused  your  sickness?  " 

u  I  do  not  know,  unless  it  was  thinking  of  our  parting,"  was 
the  -candid  answer. 

"  Then  you  did  allow  that  to  prey  upon  your  mind?  " 

"Yes;  I  could  not  help  thinking  that  I  had  been  hasty  in  my 
treatment  of  you  —  that  you  did  not  deserve  it." 

44 1  am  so  glad  that  you  arrived  at  such  a  conclusion,"  I  an- 
swered, quite  eagerly,  delighted  (o  find  that  she  took  such  a  view 


A    LOVERS*   MEETING.  429 

of  the  case,  and  beginning  to  entertain  an  idea  that  I  was  really 
an  injured  individual,  although  I  could  not  tell  in  what  light 
my  injuries  were  to  be  placed. 

"  O,  yes  !  "  answered  the  innocent  girl ;  "  I  thought  of  all  that 
you  told  me,  and  I  found  that  you  were  not  so  much  to  blame  as 
I  supposed.  Then  1  received  a  letter  from  some  of  your  friends 
in  San  Francisco,  and  they  spoke  in  such  high  terms  of  you  that 
I  felt  sure  you  were  not  really  bad  ;  but  if  you  were,"  —  and  Ihe 
dear  girl  looked  at  me  in  the  most  thoughtful  manner,  —  "you 
must  promise  me  not  to  be  bad  after  we  are  married." 

"I  will  make  a  thousand  promises,"  I  cried,  with  rapture; 
perfectly  delighted  with  the  manner  in  which  I  was  to  escape. 

"  And  keep  them  ?  "  she  asked,  with  a  roguish  smile. 

"  And  keep  them,"  I  answered,  most  solemnly ;  wondering  at 
my  good  fortune,  and  hardly  daring  to  believe  that  I  was 
awake. 

"  Then  I  will  trust  you  ; "  and  she  put  her  hand  in  mine,  and  I 
took  the  gift  as"  the  greatest  treasure  that  I  could  own.  But 
even  with  all  my  happiness  I  did  not  forget  that  I  had  friends  on 
board  the  Cortez,  and  that  I  had  invited  them  on  shore,  and  that 
it  was  near,  time  they  arrived.  I  told  Julia  that  such  was  the 
case  ;  and  she  was  delighted,  and  volunteered  to  ride  to  the  beach 
with  me,  and  welcome  Don  Pedro  and  Constance. 

In  ten  minutes  the  carriage  was  at  the  door,  and  Julia  and  I 
were  rolling  towards  the  landing.  While  we  were  on  the  way  I 
had  an  opportunity  to  examine  Julia's  face  by  the  strong  sunlight. 
It  looked  delicate,  and  most  wonderful  in  its  clearness  and  trans- 
parency ;  and  I  could  but  confess  that  even  if  she  had  lost  a  little 
flesh,  her  beauty  was  as  great  as  ever.  On  our  way  to  the 
beach  we  overtook  Mr.  Cherington,  and  stopped  to  speak  with 
him. 

"  I  was  just  going  to  meet  your  friends,"  he  said.  "  I  ordered 
the  carriage  to  the  landing,  but  I  see  that  you  have  taken  posses- 
sion, so  you  may  go  together.  I'll  return  to  the  house,  and  look 
after  the  dinner." 

The  old  gentleman  waved  his  hand,  and  beamed  on  -us  a  pleas- 
ant smile,  and  then  turned  in  the  direction  of  the  house.  We 
reached  the  landing  just  in  time  to  welcome  Don  Pedro  and  his 
wife.  I  introduced  Julia  to  them,  and  she  was  delighted  with 
Constance ;  and  the  frantic  efforts  which  the  ladies  made  to  un« 


430  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

derstand  each  other,  while  one  spoke  in  .Spanish  and  the  other  in 
English,  were  so  amusing  that  I  was  compelled  to  laugh,  despite 
my  efforts  to  maintain  my  gravity. 

u  O,  you  may  laugh,"  said  Constance  ;  "  but  if  I  could  speak 
English  I  would  tell  the  lady  some  of  your  actions,  and  then  we 
should  see  how  much  you  would  smile.  I  know  that  she  is  too 
good  for  you." 

"  What  does  she  say?"  demanded  Julia,  as  we  took  our  seats 
in  the  carriage. 

"  She  says  that  she  thinks  we  are  just  suited  for  each  other," 
I  replied,  with  a  slight  perversion  of  truth. 

Julia  seized  the  Spanish  lady's  hand  and  pressed  it  very  warm- 
ly, to  the  astonishment  of  the  latter. 

"  I  know  you  have  told  her  something  that  reflects  credit 
on  yourself,"  cried  Constance.  "  It  is  just  like  you ;  "  and  then 
she  turned  to  Julia,  and  said,  — 

"  You  no  knowey  dat  man  muche.     He  berry  good." 

All  of  which  Julia  construed  into  a  compliment  for  me,  and 
bowed  and  smiled  in  the  most  genial  manner.  But  it  was  as- 
tonishing with  what  rapidity  the  ladies  learned  to  like  each  other ; 
and  although  they  could  not  comprehend  a  dozen  words  uttered, 
they  managed  to  get  along  very  well,  and  by  the  time  we  reached 
the  house  they  were  fast  friends,  and  would  have  exchanged  con- 
fidences, if  they  could  have  done  so.  We  had  a  most  pleasant 
dinner  party,  and  it  was  none  the  less  agreeable  because  it  was 
confined  to  our  family  and  Don  Pedro  and  wife.  The  two  latter 
were  particularly  pleased  with  their  reception  and  entertainment. 
After  dinner  we  rode  out,  and  showed  our  guests  the  best  part  of 
Honolulu.  When  we  returned  I  found  all  my  men  at  the  house, 
waiting  for  me.  "They  had  landed  all  of  the  property  belonging 
to  the  firm,  and  had  deposited  the  gold  and  gold  dust  in  the  safes 
at  the  store,  and  now  they  wanted  to  know  if  there  were  any  fur- 
ther orders  for  them,  because  if  there  were  not  they  would  like  to- 
take  a  cruise  for  a  few  days.  I  had  no  orders  for  them,  but  I 
told  Jack  to  select  a  number  of  articles  from  the  store,  and  take 
them  to  Lilly's  father,  and  to  tell  the  old  chief  that  his  child  was 
dead,  but  that  she  died  happy,  with  the  hope  of  meeting  him  in 
the  kanakas'  heaven.  This  mission  I  desired  him  to  keep  secret ; 
and  it  was  so  kept,  for  Jack  understood  my  ideas  of  what  was 
and  proper.  He  nearly  loaded  a  boat  with  presents  for  the 


A   DAY   IS    ASKED    FOR.  431 

old  man,  and  so  delighted  was  he  with  them,  that  his  grief  wa3 
of  short  duration.  He  lived  for  many  years  at  his  native  village, 
and  while  alive  I  saw  that  he  never  wanted  for  any  of  the  neces- 
saries or  luxuries  of  life. 

But  I  must  return  to  my  story,  for  I  recollect  that  my  yarn 
is  nearly  run  out,  and  that  time  is  pressing.  Jack  and  Jake 
left  for  the  village  which  they  called  their  home,  while  Will  and 
Bushy  found  quarters  at  a  respectable  boarding-house,  and  waited 
patiently  for  something  to  turn  up.  They  had  money  enough 
to  live  oh,  and  they  determined  to  enjoy  it;  and  I  thiak  they 
did,  for  I  saw  them  every  day  the  first  week  of  our  arrival, 
mounted  on  horseback,  riding  about  town  in  a  quiet  manner, 
and  wondering  how  they  should  pass  away  the  hours.  Don 
Pedro  and  Constance  remained  with  us  for  three  days,  and  then 
sailed  for  Manilla,  at  which  city,  I  am  informed,  Constance  is  a 
belle,  and  has  often  danced  with  the  governor.  Her  husband  is 
rich,  and  loves  his  wife  as  devotedly  as  ever.  I  hear  from  them 
twice  a  year,  in  the  shape  of  letters  and  piney  dress  patterns. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  my  arrival  home  I  met  Julia  in  the  parlor, 
and  determined  to  press  her  to  appoint  the  day  of  our  marriage, 
—  a  subject  that  neither  of  us  had  alluded  to  during  the  visit  of 
Don  Pedro. 

u  Julia,"  I  said,  as  I  ranged  near  her,  "  I  suppose  you  know 
that  I  love  you  very  much." 

"  I  know  that  you  say  so,"  was  the  answer. 

u  Are  you  not  certain  that  I  do? " 

"  Well,  yes,  I  think  you  like  me  pretty  well ;  "  and  the  young 
lady's  cheeks  were  dimpled  with  a  smile. 

u  And  loving  you,  of  course  I  feel  as  though  I  should  like  to 
marry  you,"  I  continued. 

"  I  don't  see  the  necessity  for  it,"  the  little  coquette  replied, 
with  a  toss  of  her  head. 

I  was  determined  to  humor  her,  so  I  pleaded  for  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  day  on  which  we  could  be  united  ;  but  to  my  surprise 
she  did  not  seem  to  agree  with  me  on  that  point. 

"  Why  can't  we  remain  as  we  are  for  the  present?"  she  asked. 
44  We  are  happy  now,  and  see  each  other  as  often  as  desirable. 
Don't  let  us  think  of  marriage  for  a  year  or  two." 

Now  I  knew  that  this  was  all  uttered  for  the  sake  of  effect,  so 
I  resolved  to  change  my  tactics. 


432  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  To  tell  you  the  truth,  Julia,"  I  said  with  a  grave  face,  "  I 
think  that  you  are  right.  We  are  both  too  young  for  married 
life.  We  will  wait  for  each  -other  a  year  or  two,  and  in  the 
mean  time  I  will  strive  to  increase  my  fortune." 

I  saw  that  she  stole  a  look  at  my  face,  as  though  wondering  if 
I  could  be  in  earnest.  I  maintained  my  gravity,  and  seemed  to 
be  engaged  in  some  mental  calculation. 

"  Yes,"  I  continued,  "  I  can  return  to  California,  and  engage 
in  trade,  and  in  two  years'  time,  with  prudence  and  attention,  I 
can  add  to  my  wealth." 

"  Then  you  had  better  go,"  she  said,  in  a  petulant  manner, 
for  she  did  not  like  the  position  which  I  had  suddenly  taken. 

"  I  mean  to,  dear.  When  I  started  for  Honolulu  I  thought  I 
should  soon  own  a  wife.  As  I  have  made  a  slight  mistake,  I  will 
go  back." 

I  arose  from  the  sofa  and  walked  to  the  window.  I  can't  say 
that  I  felt  very  pleasant,  for  I  feared  that  we  should  carry  the 
joke  too  far,  and  that  what  was  intended  for  a  little  coquetry 
would  end  in  a  serious  quarrel. 

"  How  long  before  you  will  leave  us?"  asked  Julia. 

u  As  soon  as  a  vessel  sails  for  California." 

"Are  you  serious?"  and  I  saw  her  black  eyes  open  to  their 
widest  extent. 

"  Yes." 

She  left  the  sofa  and  came  near  me,  standing  by  my  side. 

"  Charles,"  she  asked,  "  do  you  want  me  to  marry  you  very 
much  ?  "  and  she  laid  her  hand  on  my  shoulder,  and  looked  up  in 
my  face  with  such  a  loving  glance  that  I  was  tempted  to  yield, 
but  did  not. 

"  I  am  not  particular  about  it,  if  you  prefer  to  wait  a  year  or 
two." 

This  was  so  unkind  and  unexpected  that  the  dear  girl  could 
not  restrain  her  tears.  They  flooded  her  eyes  in  an  instant,  and 
burst  all  the  barriers  of  reserve. 

"  O,  Charles  !  "  she  moaned,  "  I  begin  to  think  that  you  do  not 
love  me." 

"  I  should  suppose  -that  charge  might  -be  proved  mfounded,  if 
you  would  but  take  time  to  think  of  my  conversation  this  morn- 
ing." 

"  I  don't  recollect  it,"  sobbed  the  dear  girl. 


TESTING   TEMPER.  433 

u  Then  I  won't  remind  you  of  it.*' 

"  Did  you  say  you  wanted  me  to  marry  you?" 

*4  Something  of  that  nature." 

She  made  an  effort  and  shut  down  the  flood-gates  of  tears,  and 
then  looked  up,  and  asked,  — 

"  Do  you  suppose  that  papa  would  be  willing?" 

"  I  am  certain  that  he  would." 

"  Then  I  don't  think  that  I  shall  make  any  objections ; "  and 
she  smiled  in  her  usual  roguish  manner,  and  held  out  her  hand. 

In  an  instant  I  was  at  her  side,  her  little  hand  clasped  in  mine, 
while  an  arm  was  around  her  waist. 

"  Did  you  think  that  I  was  in  earnest  ?  "  the  lady  asked,  with 
a  smile. 

"  At  one  time  I  thought  you  were." 

"  I  was  only  testing  your  temper ;  "  and  the  little  coquette 
laughed.  "  O,  haven't  you  a  temper  !  " 

"  Yes ;  but  please  -don't  test  it  in  that  way  again." 

"  Then  you  won't  go  back  to  California?  " 

"  Not  at  present." 

"  Did  you  intend  going?  " 

"  No,  indeed.     I  came  here  to  marry  you,  and  I  mean  to." 

"  Why,  you  bold,  impudent  boy !  "  she  said.  "  What  shall  I 
do  with  you  ?  " 

"  Name  the  day,  and  then  we  will  discuss  that  question  at 
some  future  time." 

"  Well,  say  three  months  from  the  present  time." 

"  No  ;  I'll  listen  to  no  such  suggestions." 

"  Then  two  months  will  have  to  answer." 

"  No." 

"  Aren't  you  cruel  ?  Then  one  month,  and  not  another  day 
will  I  take  off." 

"Yes,  you  will.  You  will  say  two  weeks  from  to-day  —  and  I 
will  commit  my  life,  my  happiness,  my  honor,  to  your  keeping ; 
and  may  God  have  mercy  on  me  if  I  do  not  esteem  the  precious 
charge." 

She  gave  me  her  hand,  put  her  red  lips  to  mine,  and  then  I 
knew  the  bargain  was  consummated,  and  that  unless  some  ac- 
cident intervened,  I  should  own  the  handsomest  wife  in  Honolqlu. 
What  a  happy  forenoon  we  passed  !  We  sat  and  planned  for  the 
future  until  Mr.  Cherington  returned  home  for  dinner,  and  then 
28 


434  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

we  walked  directly  up  to  him,  and  told  him  what  we  had  agreed 
to  do,  and  asked  his  consent. 

"  You  have  it,  my  dear  children,"  he  said.  "  Most  readily  do 
I  agree  to  your  marriage.  It  is  the  principal  wish  of  my  heart 
to  see  you  united  and  happy.  God  bless  you,  rny  children,  and 
may  you  be  patient  in  affliction,  considerate  in  your  joy,  and  lov- 
ing in  your  old  age.  And  now  let's  have  dinner." 

The  day  before  the  wedding  a  large  ship  appeared  off  the  har- 
bor. Will,  Bushy,  and  I  were  fishing  at  the  time,  and  we  noticed 
that  those  on  board  made  signals  for  a  boat,  so  we  up  anchor  and 
ran  towards  the  vessel,  and  as  we  passed  under  her  stern  the 
captain  asked, — 

"Will  you  take  two  passengers  on  shore?  I  can't  stop,  for 
I'm  bound  to  China,  and  don't  want  to  lose  this  wind." 

*'  Yes,"  I  answered,  thinking  that  I  could  accommodate  some 
one,  and  seeing  that  the  vessel  was  from  California,  which  place 
I  very  much  desired  to  hear  from. 

The  shig  backed  her  maintopsail,  and  I  ran  alongside. 

"  Come  up,  sir,"  cried  the  mate,  as  he  swung  me  the  man- 
ropes.  "  We  will  have  the  luggage  in  the  boat  in  a  few  minutes. 
But  it  takes  all  day  for  a  woman  to  get  ready." 

I  went  up  the  side  and  landed  on  deck,  and  to  my  surprise  the 
first  person  I  met  was  my  old  friend  Myers. 

"  Charlie,  my  boy,  how  are  you?"  crie*d  the  ex-whaler,  with  a 
rush,  and  a  strangle  in  his  throat.  "  How  glad  I  am  to  see  you 
here ! " 

We  had  a  most  hearty  hand  shaking,  for  I  was  really  delighted 
to  see  the  man. 

"  And  Dorothea,  where  is  she?  "  I  asked. 

"  In  the  cabin,  packing  up.  We  won't  interrupt  her,  if  we  do 
she  will  have  one  of  her  fits,  laughing  and  crying,  you  know,  and 
then  nothing  will  be  done." 

"  I  am  really  glad  to  see  you,  but  had  no  idea  that  you  would 
visit  me." 

"  O,  Dorothea  wanted  a  change.  You  know  her  condition,  so 
I  left  business  and  started.  Passage  don't  cost  me  anything.  I 
own  the  ship.  Bought  her  for  the  China  trade,  and  mean  to  make 
a  heap  of  money  with  her.  But  are  you  married  yet?  " 

"  No  ;  you  are  just  in  time,  for  to-morrow  the  joyful  event 
occurs." 


MYERS   AND   HIS   WIFE.  435 

"  Good  !     Then  I  have  arrived  none  too  soon." 

Just  at  this  moment  Dorothea  made  her  appearance,  'and  with 
a  yell  she  rushed  into  my  arms  and  kissed  me. 

"  Gently,"  whispered  Myers  ;  "  remember  she  is  delicate  ; " 
which  I  was  not  so  ready  to  believe,  for  the  lady  seemed  as  lively 
as  ever. 

I  saw  that  the  captain  of  the  ship  was  a  little  impatient,  for 
fear  of  losing  the  breeze ;  so  I  hurried  Myers  and  his  wife  into 
the  boat,  with  their  numerous  trunks,  and  then  started  for  the 
shore,  leaving  the  captain  to  steer  for  India,  and  to  crowd  sail 
alow  and  aloft  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  quick  passage  in  his 
clipper. 

"Charlie,  where  shall  I  stop  in  Honolulu?"  asked  the  ex- 
whaler. 

"  O,  with  me,  of  course." 

"  Shan't  I  be  in  the  way?" 

"  Not  in  the  least.  We  have  a  spare  room,  and  plenty  of  seats 
at  the  table." 

"  All  right,  my  boy.     If  I'm  in  the  way  I'll  go  to  a  hotel." 

But  I  had  no  idea  of  that.  I  was  under  too  many  obligations 
to  my  friend  to  permit  him  and  his  wife  to  seek  a  hotel  when  I 
could  command  a  room  ;  so  to  the  house  they  went.  I  managed 
to  find  Julia,  and  introduce  her,  and  then  all  hands  were  quite 
happy ;  while  Dorothea  was  enthusiastic  because  she  had  arrived 
in  time  to  see  me  married,  and  because  Julia  carried  her  off  to 
see  the  wedding  dress,  —  the  greatest  treat  that  one  woman  can 
give  another. 

If  my  future  happiness  depended  upon  omens,  the  bright  sun 
which  greeted  my  eyes  the  next  morning,  as  I  raised  the  curtains 
of  my  windows,  was  emblematic  of  bliss,  for  a  more  lovely  day  I 
never  saw  in  Honolulu ;  aud  this  was  the  more  remarkable  be- 
cause it  was  during  the  winter  mouths,  when  severe  storms  some- 
times swept  over  the  islands.  And  this  is  my  wedding-day,  I 
thought,  as  I  stood  at  the  window  and  looked  towards  the  outer 
harbor  ;  and  as  my  gaze  roamed  from  point  to  point,  I  thought 
of  the  time  when  I  shipped  on  board  the  Sally  at  New  Bedford, 
a  lad,  without  friends,  and  without  hope,  a  victim  to  a  boyish  pas- 
sion, having  been  jilted  by  a  heartless  little  flirt,  whose  black 
eyes  arid  red  cheeks  had  been  too  much  for  my  susceptible  heart. 
Many  years  had  passed  since  then.  I  was  over  tweuty-two  years 


436  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

of  age,  rich,  and  to  be  married  to  the  loveliest  young  lady  in 
Honolulu  —  one  whom  I  prized  most  dearly,  and  who  loved  me  ; 
and  as  I  thought  of  the  enviable  position  which  I  occupied,  I 
could  not  help  uttering  a  sigh  as  my  mind  reverted  to  poor  Lilly, 
and  I  wished  that  she  was  alive  and  happy,  with  some  man  of 
her  choice. 

I  must  pass  over  the  many  incidents  that  took  place,  until  we 
were  dressed  and  ready  for  the  ceremony.  At  three  o'clock  visitors 
began  to  flock  to  the  house,  and  they  continued  to  arrive  until  all 
the  parlors  were  filled  ;  and  when  every  one  was  crowded  to  suf- 
focation, the  king  and  his  cabinet  entered,  so  of  course  they  had 
to  have  the  best  places. 

I  have  a  confused  recollection  of  taking  Julia  by  the  hand  —  of 
looking  at  her  with  admiration,  and  of  kissing  her,  which  caused 
all  the  bridesmaids  to  utter  a  little  scream,  and  declare  that  I  had 
"  rumpled "  the  young  lady's  clothes;  of  the  manner  in  which 
Julia  laughed,  trembled,  and  blushed  ;  of  my  declaring  that  she 
resembled  an  angel,  and  one  of  the  bridesmaids  asking  if  I  had 
ever  seen  one  ;  of  floating  into  the  parlor,  with  Julia  by  my  side, 
and  of  hearing  a  hum  of  admiration  at  the  beauty  of  the  bride. 
I  have  a  distinct  recollection  that  a  tall,  venerable  missionary, 
who  had  made  a  fortune  by  his  piety  and  shrewd  bargains  with 
the  kanakas,  on  the  ground  that  he  was  saving  their  souls  from 
endless  punishment,  rose  up  before  me  and  said  something.  What 
it  was  I  have  not  the  slightest  idea ;  but  I  bowed  my  head,  and 
wished  that  it  was  over  so  that  I  could  get  a  breath  of  air,  for  the 
rooms  grew  warm,  and  the  company  looked  in  a  perspiring  mood. 
I  felt  the  little  hand  that  I  clasped  tremble,  and  then  tried 
to  follow  the  minister  in  his  prayer ;  but  could  not,  for  my 
thoughts  would  revert  to  the  last  speculation  in  which  he  indulged, 
and  I  wondered  if  he  had  made  much  by  it.  From  this  state  I 
was  aroused  by  hearing  the  missionary  pronounce  me  a  married 
man  ;  and  then  there  was  a  rush  towards  us,  the  whole  com- 
pany anxious  for  congratulations. 


IN   BOSTON   AGAIN.  437 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

LIFE   IN   A   STEAMER. IN   BOSTON    ONCE   MORE.  -  -  CONCLUSION. 

LIFE  on  board  a  Pacific  steamer  was  not  pleasant  years  ago.  In 
the  first  place,  every  part  of  the  vessel  was  crowded,  so  that  there 
was  not  room  enough  to  move.  The  heat  was  intense,  and  unless 
you  had  a  state-room,  you  had  better  be  in  purgatory,  for  there 
was  no  comfort,  ease,  or  convenience.  Luckily  for  Julia  and  my- 
self, we  had  a  splendid  state-room,  the  best  one  on  board ;  but 
then  I  had  to  pay  for  it,  and  a  good  price,  too,  although  I  did  not 
regret  it  after  I  saw  the  motley  collection  on  board. 

We  steamed  on,  day  after  day,  and  at  last  arrived  at  Panama ; 
were  transported  across  the  country,  and  found  a  steamer  ready 
to  take  us  to  New  York;  which  place  we  reached  without  accident. 
As  Julia  had  never  before  visited  New  York,  we  remained  there 
a  week,  to  enable  her  to  recruit,  and  obtain  a  supply  of  fashiona- 
ble clothing,  without  which  women  seem  to  think  it  is  impossible 
to  exist. 

I  had  not  sent  word  to  my  parents  that  I  intended  to  return 
home.  I  thought  I  would  surprise  them,  so  I  was  in  no  hurry 
to  leave  the  city,  where  my  wife  enjoyed  herself  so  much  ;  and  I 
was  happy  iu  seeing  her  pleased.  But  at  last  her  robes  and 
flounces  were  completed,  and  then,  one  Monday  evening,  in  the 
month  of  June,  just  ten  years  from  the  time  I  had  shipped  on 
board  a  whaler  at  New  Bedford,  we  left  New  York  on  a  Sound 
steamer  for  Boston.  BgKlCTOit  LibTttft 

We  were  late  in  reaching  the  city,  on  account  of  some  delay  of 
the  train,  so  that  it  was  near  nine  o'clock  before  we  arrived  at 
the  Providence  depot. 

"  Where  do  you  want  to  go?"  asked  the  hackman. 

I  had  forgotten  the  number  of  father's  house. 

"  Take  us  to  the  residence  of  Alderman  Allspice,"  I  said,  hop- 
ing that  the  man  would  know  where  he  resided. 

"  Yes  ;  he  lives  on  Beacon  Street ; "  and  the  man  slammed 
the  carriage  door  and  started. 

We  were  not  long  on  the  way ;  but  short  as  was  the  time,  I 


438  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

was  enabled  to  think  of  the  many  adventures  I  had  passed  through 
since  I  had  been  absent.  At  last  the  carriage  stopped,  and  the 
driver  opened  the  door.  I  rang  the  bell,  and  a  smart-looking 
colored  servant  appeared. 

u  Is  Mr.  Allspice  at  home?"  I  asked. 

u  ISTo,  sir ;  you  will  find  him  at  his  place  of  business." 

"  Mrs.  Allspice  is  a,t  home?"  I  asked. 

"  Yes,  sir." 

"  We  will  see  her  ; "  and  in  we  walked,  and  entered  the  drawing- 
room,  the  furniture  of  which  was  most  magnificent. 

u  Your  cards,  if  you  please,"  the  servant  said. 

"  We  have  none." 

"  Your  names,  then,"  and  the  servant  almost  looked  contemptu- 
ous at  a  party  who  did  not  carry  cards. 

"  Never  mind  the  names,"  I  answered.  "  Tell  her  we  want 
to  see  her ;  that's  enough  ;  "  and  then,  to  the  surprise  of  the  ser- 
vant, I  walked  to  the  windows,  jerked  up  the  curtains,  threw  open 
the  blinds,  and  let  a  stream  of  daylight  into  the  room. 

"  Beg  your  pardon,  sir,  but  missis  don't  allow  that,  sir ;  and 
perhaps,  sir,  you  have  made  a  mistake.  There's  other  Allspices 
in  the  city,  sir." 

"  O,  Charles,"  pleaded  Julia,  "  do  explain." 

I  laughed  at  her  fears,  and  opened  another  blind.  The  servant 
thought  that  we  were  the  most  free  and  easy  people  that  he  had 
ever  seen. 

"  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir,"  he  said ;  "  tyut  couldn't  you  tell  me 
your  name?  " 

I  answered  him  in  the  dialect  of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and, 
after  one  stare  of  astonishment,  he  left  us  to  inform  my  mother 
that  there  were  pert  foreigners  down  stairs,  and  that  they  didn't 
know  much,  and  he  rather  thought  they  wanted  offices  under  the 
city  government. 

My  dear  mother  sighed  and  descended  the  stairs,  intending  to 
be  curt  and  to  the  point.  I  heard  her  steps,  and  knew  them,  and 
I  thought  I  should  betray  myself  as  soon  as  she  entered  the  room, 
for  I  felt  like  springing  to  her  arms  and  kissing  her.  But  I  man- 
aged to  quell  the  beating  of  rny  heart,  and  awaited  her  en- 
trance. 

Then  she  stood  before  me.  Her  face  had  not  grown  old,  but  it 
seemed  more  thoughtful  than  when  I  saw  it  last,  and  the  threads  of 


MEETING    A    MOTHER.  439 

silver  ID  her  hair  seemed  a  little  brighter  than  when  I  left  home. 
But  the  eyes  had  not  altered.  They  looked  as  kind  as  ever,  and  if 
it  had  not  been  for  them  I  should  have  remained  firm.  But  I  re- 
membered how  often  those  eyes  had  stood  between  my  father  and 
myself,  when  the  old  gentleman  had  come  home  hungry  and  an- 
gry ;  and  how  she  had  excused  my  faults,  and  endeavored  to  per- 
suade him  to  do  the  same,  which  he  was  not  always  inclined 
to  do,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  as  my  back  can  testify.  Therefore,  when 
my  mother  looked  at  me  with  her  dark-brown  eyes,  so  mild,  yet 
so  unconscious,  I  could  no  longer  restrain  myself.  • 

"  Mother,"  I  said,  and  rushed  towards  her  and  clasped  her  in 
my  arms. 

I  saw  the  look  of  surprise  which  she  gave  —  the  quick,  anx- 
ious glance  at  my  face,  which  had  changed  much  during  the  ten 
years  that  I  had  been  absent,  and  then  she  sighed,  put  her  hand 
to  her  forehead,  as  though  she  felt,  for  the  moment,  overwhelmed, 
and  I  feared  that  she  would  faint. 

"  Bring  a  glass  of  water,'*  I  said  to  the  tall  servant  who  had 
resented  our  entering  the  parlor,  as  far  as  looks  were  concerned, 
and  who  now  stood  in  the  entry,  apparently  bewildered  at  the 
scene  before  him. 

He  ran  towards  the  dining-room  as  fast  as  his  long  legs  could 
carry  him ;  but  mother  did  not  faint.  She  rallied  immediately, 
and  found  relief  in  a  flood  of  tears  ;  but  they  were  happy  ones, 
for,  as  soon  as  she  could  speak,  she  said,  — 

"  O,  Charles,  why  didn't  you  give  me  some  warning  of  your 
coming?" 

"  Because  I  wanted  to  surprise  you,  and  I  think  I  have." 

*'  You  almost  made  me  faint,  you  naughty  boy  ;  "  and  half  a 
dozen  motherly  kisses  proved  that  I  was  forgiven. 

But  I  did  not  let  her  ask  questions.  I  took  her  hand  and  led 
her  to  Julia. 

"  /  have  not  only  come  home,  but  I  have  brought  a  daughter 
for  you.  Of  course  you  will  love  her  as  well  as  myself." 

"  Full  as  well,"  was  the  hearty  answer  ;  and  then  my  dear  little 
wife  found  herself  clasped  in  my  mother's  arms. 

"  You  are  full  as  handsome  as  I  have  been  led  to  expect,  my 
dear  child,"  mother  said,  as  she  looked  at  the  sweet,  blushing 
face,  and  kissed  it  half  a  dozen  times. 

"  You  know,  my  dear  mother^  that  I  ^a,s}  always  noted  for  my 


440          A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

taste  in  that  line.  You  did  not  suppose  that  I  would  choose  a 
homely  bride  —  did  you  ?  " 

"  I  had  no  idea  that  you  would  choose  any,  until  we  received 
your  letters.  But  I  am  glad  that  you  are  married,  and  that  you 
married  the  daughter  of  such  a  dear  old  friend  as  Mr.  Cherington. 
I  could  not  have  wished  for  a  better  wife  for  my  son." 

"  Nor  I,"  was  my  reply. 

"  And  you  are  both  happy?"  asked  my  mother,  as  she  scanned 
us  with  her  calm  eyes,  as  though  to  see  if  such  was  the  case. 

I  put  an  arm  around  Julia's  waist  and  kissed  her. 

'*  This  is  my  answer." 

"  And  a  good  one  it  is.  May  you  always  be  faithful  to  it,  my 
dear  child." 

She  rang  the  bell  for  the  housekeeper,  and  in  a  few  min- 
utes we  were  in  elegant  apartments,  and  everything  conven- 
ient for  comfort ;  and  after  we  had  changed  our  dresses  we  de- 
scended to  the  dining-room,  and  found  an  excellent  breakfast 
awaiting  us. 

"  I  hope  that  father  is  as  well  as  usual,"  I  said,  as  we  took 
seats  at  the  table. 

"  Yes ;  his  health  is  excellent,  although  a  few  months  since  he 
had  a  touch  of  the  gout,  and  was  rather  cross  in  consequence. 
He  will  be  delighted  to  see  you,  for  he  has  boasted  enough  of 
your  exploits  and  success  in  making  money,  although  I  don't 
see  how  you  could  do  it,  and  so  young  and  inexperienced  when 
you  left  home.  Was  it  air  true  about  that  German,  Mr.  Wis- 
ner?" 

"  It  was  all  true,  mother,  and  Julia  will  show  you  some  of  the 
precious  stones,  besides  a  costly  ring  which  she  intends  as  a  pres- 
ent for  you.  The  brilliant  is  really  beautiful." 

Mother  looked  pleased,  but  finally  said,  — 

"  I'm  afraid  that  you  can't  afford  such  an  extravagant  present 
for  me.  Besides,  I'm  growing  old,  and  don't  need  diamonds. 
They  will  do  for  young  people,  but  not  for  me."** 

Julia  arose  and  walked  softly  to  the  old  lady's  side,  and  laid 
her  young  and  blooming  face  against  mother's  cheek,  and  whis- 
pered, — 

u  We  love  you,  and  because  you  are  older  than  we  are  we  take 
pride  in  seeing  you  happy.  Only  love  us  as  well  as  we  love  you, 
arid  c/ur  cL;ys  will  pass  very  happily." 


A   HAPPY   HOME.  441 

The  young  wife  was  clasped  to  a  mother's  breast,  and  from 
that  moment  they  loved  each  other  most  dearly. 

As  soon  as  our  breakfast  was  completed,  I  left  Julia  to  chat 
with  mother  while  I  went  out  in  search  of  my  father.  I  passed 
through  the  store,  and  saw  old  Penchard,  the  bookkeeper,  labor- 
ing at  his  desk  just  as  I  left  him  ten  years  before.  He  looked 
up,  stared  at  me  for  a  moment,  wondering,  I  suppose,  if  I  dealt 
in  groceries  ;  and  apparently  satisfied  that  I  did  not,  dropped  his 
eyes  to  his  ledger. 

I  passed  on  towards  my  father's  private  office,  entered,  and 
found  myself  in  his  presence ;  and  then  through  my  mind  rushed 
all  the  incidents  of  our  last  interview  —  how  I,  a  trembling  boy, 
had  stood  before  him,  and  dared  to  resist  his  demands,  even  when 
threatened  with  a  severe  flogging.  I  recollected  how  I  had  stolen 
raisins  and  figs  to  feed  that  little  coquette,  Jenny  Fairchild,  and 
how,  rather  than  reveal  her  name,  I  had  run  away  from  home. 
All  these  things  I  thought  of  as  I  saw  before  me  a  stout,  bald- 
headed  old  gentleman,  with  dark-brown  hair  ;  or  what  there  was 
around  his  temples  and  ears  was  brown,  and  curling  in  quite  a 
careless  manner  ;  but  the  face  had  not  changed.  There  was  the 
same  dogged  resolution  and  firmness,  with  a  little  more  thought- 
fuluess  around  the  corners  of  his  mouth. 

u  Well,  sir,"  he  said,  as  though  anxious  for  me  to  state  my 
business  in  as  brief  a  form  as  possible. 

"4  You  do  not  know  me?"  I  asked. 

"  No,  sir,  I  have  not  the  honor." 

"  Did  you  ever  see  me  before  ?  " 

"  No,  sir  ;  not  to  my  knowledge  ; "  and  the  answer  was  a  little 
curter  than  before. 

"  I  have  called  to  bring  you  information  of  your  son,"  I  said. 

"  Of  Charles  !  my  boy  Charles?  "  he  cried,  in  an  eager  tone. 

"  Yes,  of  him." 

The  old  gentleman  jumped  from  his  chair,  and  came  towards 
me  ;  but  looked  so  eager  that  I  could  no  longer  remain  grave. 
I  was  compelled  to  smile,  and  when  I  did,  my  father  stopped, 
looked  surprised,  and  then  roared,  — 

"  Charles !  Charles !  you  rogue  !  is  this  you  ?  "  and  before  I 
could  answer,  his  stout  arms  were  around  me,  and  he  was  hug- 
ging me  to  his  breast,  and  uttering  all  manner  of  exclamations 
of  delight. 


442  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

"  You  shall  never  leave  me  again,  you  young  dog !  Not  a  bit 
of  it.  But  where  is  your  wife  ?  " 

"  At  the  house." 

"  Good  !  But  come  here.  Old  Penchard  will  be  delighted  to 
see  you." 

He  seized  me  by  the  arm,  and  dragged  me  into  the  store. 

<k  Look  a-here,  Penchard,"  cried  my  father,  his  voice  a  little 
liusky,  although  he  attempted  to  be  stern ;  "  do  you  know  this 
young  man  ?  " 

"  No,  sir  ;  I  do  not.     I  never  saw  him  before." 

"  Ha  !  ha  !  "  roared  my  father.  "  Why,  you  old  fool,  this  is 
my  son,  Charles." 

u  God  bless  me !  you  don't  mean  it ! "  cried  the  old  clerk, 
starting  up  and  throwing  down  his  pen. 

"And  to  think  that  you  didn't  recognize  the  boy.  That  is  a 
joke.  Why,  I  knew  him  at  once  ;  "  which  assertion  I  think  was 
an  aldermauic  one,  to  be  received  with  some  allowance  for  ex- 
citement. 

The  old  clerk  took  off  his  glasses,  wiped  them,  and  then  put 
them  on  and  looked  at  me. 

"Yes,"  he  said,  at-  length  ;  "  it  is  him,  sure  enough.  I  know 
him  now.  But  he  has  changed  so  much." 

"  Of  course  the  boy  has  changed.  Blast  it,  do  you  suppose 
that  ten  years  can  pass  away  without  changes?  Penchard,  you 
grow  stupid." 

The  old  clerk  took  no  notice  of  the  remark,  but  continued  to 
look  at  me  in. silent  wonderment. 

"  To  think  that  he  should  return  to  us  after  all,"  the  old  fellow 
sighed.  "  And  he  is  married,  too.  Well,  well,  I'm  growing  old, 
I  suppose  ;  but  it  don't  seem  but  last  week  that  I  stuffed  his  little 
pockets  with  raisins,  and  charged  them  to  profit  and  loss.  He 
was  always  fond  of  raisins,  you  know." 

"  Yes,  I  know  he  was,"  replied  my  father ;  "  and  it  is  but  a 
few  months  since  I  discovered  the  reason  why  Master  Charley  ran 
away.  Miss  Fairchild  told  me.  It  seems  that  you  purchased 
her  love  by  the  aid  of  my  stock  of  fruit,  and  then  felt  too  proud 
to  inform  me  of  it.  What  do  you  think  of  that,  Peuchard  ?  " 

"  Just  like  him,"  answered  the  old  clerk. 

"  Of  course  it  is  ;  but  you  come  and  dine  with  us  to-day.  You 
«vant  to  hear  the  boy  talk,  and  see  his  wife.  I  know  you  do,  so 


A  DINNER   PARTY.  443 

don't  say  another  word.  Come,  Charles,"  and  the  old  gentleman 
seized  my  arm,  and  dragged  me  on  'change,  and  introduced  me 
to  all  his  friends,  and  made  me  talk  until  I  was  tired,  and  glad  to 
get  home. 

44  Charles,"  said  my  mother,  as  I  entered  the  house,  "  Miss  Fair- 
child  is  in  the  parlor.  Do  go  and  see  her.  She  wants  to  laugh 
with  you  over  childish  days." 

44  Perhaps  that  would  be  a  dangerous  experiment,"  I  muttered, 
as  I  thought  of  her  handsome  face  and  bright  eyes,  and  recollected 
how  much  I  loved  her  at  one  time  ;  but  I  entered  the  parlor,  and 
then  a  young  lady  of  wondrous  beanity  arose  and  extended  her 
hand.  I  should  have  known  her  if  I  had  met  her  in  the  wilds  of 
California.  She  still  possessed  the  same  clear  pink  and  white 
skin,  the  same  sweet  eyes,  and  red  lips. 

I  took  the  hand  and  held  it  for  a  moment,  while  we  looked  at 
each  other  long  and  earnestly. 

44  You  have  changed  so  much,  Mr.  Allspice,"  and  then  she 
laughed  and  withdrew  her  hand. 

44  And  you  have  changed,  for  I  left  you  a  beautiful  girl,  and 
you  have  grown  up  a  lovely  woman." 

44  O,  what  a  naughty  man,"  and  she  pretended  to  look  sober ; 
but  the  effort  was  not  successful. 

"  Do  you  remember  the  night  I  parted  from  you  ?  "  I  asked. 

44 1  shall  never  forget  it,"  she  sighed,  and  then  looking  up,  ex- 
claimed, 44  What  a  goose  you  were  to  run  away  !  "  and  to  my  sur- 
prise all  sentiment  left  her,  and  she  was  a  wild,  laughing  girl,  full 
of  fun  and  nonsense. 

44 1  want  to  see  your  wife,"  she  said  ;  44  and  so  .1  intend  to  dine 
here.  Do  go  and  ask  her  to  come  down." 

I  went  in  search  of  Julia.  She  was  dressing  for  dinner;  and 
as  she  held  up  her  beautiful  face  for  the  usual  kiss  on  my  return 
home,  I  could  not  help  thinking  that  she  was  full  as  handsome 
as  Jenny  Fairchild,  and  that  I  loved  her  more  dearly. 

44  Look  your  prettiest,"  I  whispered, 44  for  you  will  meet  several 
strangers  at  dinner." 

This  information  did  not  dismay  her.  She  was  too  much  ac- 
customed to  society  to  feel  timid  at  meeting  strangers,  therefore 
when  she  did  appear  in  the  drawing-room  there  was  a  general 
murmur  of  admiration. 

My  father  kissed  her,  blessed  her,  and  was  delighted  with  her 


444  A  WHALEMAN'S  ADVENTURES. 

and  Jenny  whispered  to  me  as  I  waited  upon  her  to  the  ta- 
ble,- 

"  I  love  your  wife  most  dearly." 

"  And  the  husband?"  I  asked. 

"  O,  dear,  I  did  love  him ;  but  time  has  changed  my  feelings. 
We  are  friends  ;  but  love  is  something  of  the  past." 

"  Amen  !  "  was  my  answer,  as  I  glanced  at  my  wife,  and  thought 
of  her  good  qualities  and  rare  beauty. 

One  word,  and  I  have  ended  my  yarn.  Will,  whom  I  left  at 
Honolulu,  returned  to  California,  and  amassed  a  fortune  in  buy- 
ing ships  and  fitting  them  out  for  Panama  with  passengers.  Bushy 
was  concerned  with  him  in  the  enterprise.  Jack  and  Jake  took 
to  farming  at  Honolulu,  and  now  own  a  large  sugar  and  coffee 
plantation.  Myers  and  his  wife  are  still  residing  in  San  Fran- 
cisco, while  my  respected  father-in-law  is  with  us,  and  occupies 
his  time  in  playing  with  his  grandchildren. 


*•  <* 


